The Idaho State Police released dashcam footage showing a trooper walking away unscathed after an oncoming driver slammed into the crash scene he was investigating.
The incident took place on October 8 near Idaho 53 and Ramsey Road, with ISP Trooper Enrique Llerenas responding. According to authorities, the tow truck driver wasn’t the one responsible for the crash, but rather the driver of that red Toyota Tacoma.
“The tow truck was eastbound on SH 53 when a red Toyota Tacoma failed to yield and pulled into the tow truck driver’s path from Ramsey Road,” ISP reported on Wednesday. “The red Toyota Tacoma’s driver was cited for failing to obey a traffic control device.”
Drivers in Idaho have to adhere to a so-called “move over” law, which requires you to slow down and move over, if possible, when approaching a stationary police or authorized emergency vehicle with flashing lights, as reported by the Idaho Statesman.
Also watch: Close Call With Sliding Van Forces Driver To Take Massive Risk
According to a report from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 11 officers were fatally struck by vehicles while standing on the side of the road in the first half of this year alone. Meanwhile, nationwide statistics show that 775 officers died between 2005 and 2017 – either by being struck or in crashes while on duty.
“Help keep our area’s first responders safe! Please slow down, move over, and pay attention when approaching emergency vehicles/incidents,” said the ISP in a tweet.
Last week, ISP Trooper Llerenas was struck on SH 53/Ramsey Road while investigating a collision. Luckily he wasn’t injured. Help keep our area’s first responders safe! Please slow down, move over, and pay attention when approaching emergency vehicles/incidents. pic.twitter.com/vH4j9FSGYe
— Idaho State Police (@ispdistrict1) October 16, 2019