New Jersey driver wearing an N95 mask for hours crashes after passing out behind the wheel from lack of oxygen

• An unidentified New Jersey driver crashed into a pole after passing out from wearing an N95 mask for hours
• They were driving in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, Thursday when their red vehicle crashed head-on into the pole
• 'The crash is believed to have resulted from the driver wearing an N95 mask for several hours and subsequently passing out behind the wheel,' LPPD said 
• The department stressed that wearing masks is still necessary in preventing the spread of coronavirus and offered safety guidelines  

A New Jersey driver crashed into a pole after passing out from wearing an N95 mask for hours. 

The unidentified person was driving in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, Thursday when their red vehicle crashed head-on into the pole.   

'The LPPD responded to a lone occupant single car motor vehicle crash yesterday,' the Lincoln Park Police Department wrote on Facebook. 'The crash is believed to have resulted from the driver wearing an N95 mask for several hours and subsequently passing out behind the wheel due to insufficient oxygen intake/excessive carbon dioxide intake.'

The driver was taken to a hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries and is expected to be okay. 

An unidentified New Jersey driver crashed into a pole after passing out from wearing an N95 mask for hours

'We also know that nothing was uncovered at the accident scene that would suggest that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

'While we don't know [the cause] with 100% certainty, we do know that the driver had been wearing an N95 mask inside the vehicle for several hours and ultimately passed out while operating the vehicle,' the department added. 

The department offered guidelines for safely protecting yourself from the coronavirus, which has ravaged the state of New Jersey and neighboring New York. 

'Motorists and the public alike are reminded that while masks should be used in public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they are not necessary outdoors when social distancing can be maintained, and especially not necessary when driving a vehicle with no additional occupants,' the department said on Facebook.  

They were driving in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, Thursday when their red vehicle crashed head-on into the pole

The LPPD updated its post after questions swirled about the safety of the N95 masks meant to protect from transmitting and contracting deadly COVID-19.  

'Considering the overwhelming response this post has received, the following should be said. NJ residents should absolutely continue to follow the directives regarding face coverings put in place by our Governor.

'As it relates to this specific incident, we reiterate that police officers are not physicians and do not know the medical history of every person we encounter. We conduct accident scene investigations using training, experience and observations at the scene to determine a cause,' the post said.