On April 23, a driver crashed after passing out behind the wheel while wearing a N95 mask according to a report by Lincoln Park Police Department officials in New Jersey.
Officials state that the driver wore the mask for “several hours” and had “insufficient oxygen intake/excessive carbon dioxide intake.” Fortunately, the driver, who was by themselves, was not severely injured after crashing into a pole.
In a Facebook post, the department warn, “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.”
In an updated post, officials say, “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.”
They continue, “It was stated in the original post that we ‘believed’ the excessive wearing of an N95 mask was a contributing factor to this accident. While we don’t know this 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.”