The governor, who was in the front passenger seat and not wearing a seat belt, remained on a ventilator yesterday in critical but stable condition at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Corzine's assistant, who was traveling in the backseat, also unrestrained, suffered minor injuries, as did Rasinski, who was wearing a seat belt.
"Speed is always a contributing factor in any accident," Fuentes said, speaking to reporters after releasing an update on the accident investigation. "It goes to the heart of what damage you may have to the vehicle. We need to put speed in the context of the reason it was going that speed."
Rasinski was driving Corzine on Thursday from a speaking engagement in Atlantic City to the governor's mansion in Princeton, where he was to host a meeting between radio host Don Imus and the Rutgers University women's basketball team the shock jock had insulted.
Rasinski was using the SUV's police emergency lights, which he has discretion to use in addition to speed "as necessary," as all troopers do, Fuentes said.
"There was no discussion between the governor and the trooper about going a certain speed," Fuentes said.
State police also said it was not the driver's responsibility to make sure Corzine wore his seat belt. In New Jersey, front-seat passengers must wear seat belts. Violators can be fined $46. Drivers are responsible for those under 18.
Fuentes said Rasinski could return to work after being cleared for duty by a state police physician. Whether he faces disciplinary action remains to be seen.
Fuentes said that state police were still investigating and that the State Police Motor Vehicle Accident and Vehicular Pursuit Review Board would be convened soon to review the accident report.
