NEW MILFORD — Two drivers escaped serious injuries after their cars fell into the Housatonic River during an accident on River Road.

Police said the accident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when a black Lexus IS300 that was traveling southbound moved to the far right to provide more room for a white 2016 Jeep Cherokee that was coming in the other direction.

The Jeep struck the front corner of the Lexus, causing both vehicles to fall down a short embankment and into the river below, police said. Someone passing by the accident reported it to authorities. The drivers were able to swim back to shore by the time police arrived.

River Road in that location is narrow with a dirt surface that’s maintained by the town as a scenic roadway. Police said the road is not heavily traveled. Authorities said speed didn’t appear to be a factor in the crash, which was ascribed to driver error.

“They were pretty cold but other than that everyone seemed OK,” said Sgt. Lee Grabner. “Our main concern was hypothermia setting in.”

Officials with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection were advised of the crash but did not respond to the scene. Police said no contaminants leaked from the cars into the river.

Both drivers were taken to Danbury Hospital for evaluation and later released.

dperrefort@newstimes.com