Michael Savage, a former radio host and political commentator, was involved in a car accident in 2019 that resulted in the death of his father. The accident occurred on a rainy night in Connecticut when Savage’s vehicle collided with another car on Ponus Ridge Road. Savage sustained a hand injury and called 911 before leaving the scene. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and was granted probation.
Details of Michael Savage’s Accident
According to the police report, the accident happened on August 13, 2019, around 6:03 am. Savage was driving a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 on Ponus Ridge Road, near the intersection with Lakeview Avenue. He was traveling southbound when he crossed the double yellow line and struck a northbound 2011 Honda CR-V driven by a 74-year-old woman.
The impact caused both vehicles to spin and come to rest on opposite sides of the road. Savage’s father, Michael M. Savage, who was a passenger in his son’s car, suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman driving the Honda sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Savage himself suffered a hand injury and called 911 to report the accident. He told the dispatcher that he had been in a “terrible accident” and that his father was “gone”. He also said that he had to leave the scene because he was “bleeding profusely” and needed medical attention. He asked the dispatcher to send an ambulance to his home, which was about a mile away from the crash site.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The police investigation revealed that Savage had been driving at an excessive speed and failed to maintain his lane. They also found that he had been using his cell phone while driving, which may have contributed to his loss of control. However, they did not find any evidence of alcohol or drug impairment.
Savage’s actions after the accident raised some questions about his intent and responsibility. He did not wait for the police or the paramedics to arrive at the scene, nor did he check on the condition of the other driver. He also did not provide his name, address, or license number to the dispatcher or anyone else involved in the accident. He claimed that he had a problem with his cellphone reception and that he could not hear the dispatcher’s instructions clearly.
Savage was arrested on September 11, 2019, for negligent homicide, dodging accountability, driving in the wrong lane, and distracted driving. In exchange for dismissing the other counts, he pled guilty to the one offense on April 10, 2014.
The Outcome of the Accident
Savage was sentenced to two years of probation on May 8, 2014. He was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, pay a $1,000 fine, and attend a victim impact panel. He was also prohibited from driving for six months and required to install an ignition interlock device on his car for one year.
Savage expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to his family and the victim’s family in court. He said that he loved his father dearly and that he wished he could take back what happened. He also said that he hoped to use his experience as a lesson for others to avoid distracted driving
