TRENTON, N.J., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- A former New Jersey congressman who admitted a drunken car crash 15 years ago has asked that a highway not bear his name.
Robert Roe, who served in the state House of Representatives for more than 20 years, told Gov. Jon Corzine in a letter that he is grateful for the honor but agrees with the people injured in the crash that it is not appropriate, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported.
"The family involved in the accident are vehemently opposed to this legislation and I understand and respect their views," Roe said. "Under these circumstances and in an effort to bring some closure to this trauma, I will respectfully request the Legislature to rescind this legislation."
The crash occurred shortly after Roe's retirement from Congress. Driving on the wrong side of a highway, he collided head-on with another car, causing serious injuries to a woman and her daughter. He was allowed to enter a pretrial intervention program that spared him a prison term.
The family and Mothers Against Drunk Driving opposed naming Route 23, a state highway in North Jersey, after Roe.
