Speed was a factor in a single-car accident that occured around 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 off Swartzel Drive in Middletown, according to a crash investigation report by the Middletown Police.  

Police issued a careless driving summons to Tara Nesbinal, 21, of Kevan Place in Middletown. She had to be extricated from the car by Middletown Township First Aid & Rescue Squad and Fairview First Aid Squad of Middletown, assisted by Belford Engine Fire Company and Belford Independent Fire Company. MONOC paramedics also responded.

Nesbihal was transported by NorthSTAR medevac from nearby Middletown High School North to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center trauma center following the crash. Her condition was not made public. 

In the report released last week by police, police state Nesbihal was driving a 2008 Pontiac four door car northbound on Swartzel Drive in the direction towards the high school. The posted speed limit there is 35 mph. 

At some point she crossed into the oncoming traffic lane, and in an attempt to compensate police say she lost control of the vehicle and slid counterclockwise striking the curb, which caused the vehicle to cantilever onto its left side and strike a tree. 

The vehicle then spun counter clockwise and became airborne, striking the second tree while approximately 6 1/2 feet above ground.  The car then rotated counter clockwise again and fell to the ground at final rest. 

Based on the evidence, investigators in the Traffic Safety Division believe the vehicle was traveling above the posted speed limit and that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. 

Driver inattention was also cited as a contributing factor in the report. 

An alcohol/drug test was not given to Nesbihal, according to the report. 

Nesbinhal told police that she believed low air pressure in the right front tire was a factor, and said she was traveling at around 38 mph.