“I don’t think there is any question that his actions that night saved numerous lives including his own,” East Hampton Police Chief Todd Sarris said yesterday of the funnyman’s quick use of the emergency brake and expert steering when his vintage 1967 red Fiat’s brakes failed on Saturday.
“I don’t think there is any question that he is a hero.”
The car buff was behind the wheel of his newly acquired toy for the first time when the brakes gave way as he approached the intersection of Montauk Highway at around 7:40 p.m.
But instead of plowing into traffic, Seinfeld turned action hero by pulling an evasive maneuver that flipped his car over on its side but avoided a major traffic accident, police said.
After the crash, motorists rushed to Seinfeld’s aid, as he climbed out of the upended vehicle uninjured.
As others righted the car, Seinfeld was driven home by his publicist who had been following in a car behind him.
Since there were no injuries and no damage to property other than his own, Seinfeld would not be charged, Sarris said.
He added that judging by the massive media response after news of the wreck appeared in The Post, “I’m not sure I would disagree with him” on leaving the scene.
Seinfeld’s lawyer, Jeffrey Bragman, told reporters his client was “very grateful” for Sarris’ kind words and he agreed with the police chief’s assessment.
“I’m pleased that his driving skills were as good as they were,” he said. “Yes, he did a great job.”