HINGHAM — A head-on collision on Main St. (Rte. 228) Monday night resulted in injuries to four individuals, with authorities emphasizing the critical need for wearing seat belts every time someone is in a vehicle.
The accident occurred when a Jeep traveling south veered across the center line into the oncoming traffic lane, causing a northbound Toyota to swerve unsuccessfully to avoid the collision.
Both vehicles sustained significant damage, prompting emergency response teams to transport all involved parties to the hospital for treatment.
Among the injured were three occupants of the Jeep and the sole occupant of the Toyota.
A 12-year-old passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a Boston hospital for specialized care.
The driver of the Jeep, a 20-year-old also not restrained by a seatbelt at the time of the crash, has been cited for multiple offenses, including operating to endanger and two counts of seat belt violations.
In light of the incident, Hingham Police have issued a reminder that the law in Massachusetts holds drivers responsible for ensuring passengers under 16 are buckled up.
Passengers 16 and older are cited directly for not wearing seat belts.
Authorities have also submitted a request to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to suspend the 20-year-old driver’s license, labeling them as an “immediate threat” to public safety.
The investigation is ongoing as officials seek to determine why the Jeep crossed into the opposing lane, causing the crash.
