A Wyoming Highway Patrol lieutenant was involved in a serious crash on February 1 while helping at the scene of another accident. The crash happened in Carbon County, along Interstate 80, and the lieutenant’s vehicle was struck by another car.
At the time of the crash, the lieutenant was inside his patrol vehicle and became trapped. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and helped him out of the vehicle. He was taken to the hospital but was later released after receiving treatment. Thankfully, he is now doing well and is looking forward to returning to work soon.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol shared a post on social media about the incident, reminding drivers to stay safe and be cautious around emergency vehicles. The post also highlighted the importance of following Wyoming Statute 31-5-224, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when they see an emergency vehicle on the road.
What Is Wyoming Statute 31-5-224?
This law states that drivers must move to the lane furthest away from any emergency vehicle if they are driving on a highway or interstate. If the road has only two lanes and the speed limit is more than 45 miles per hour, drivers must slow down by at least 20 miles per hour when passing a stopped emergency vehicle.
The goal of this law is to protect emergency workers who are on the road, like police officers, paramedics, and road maintenance crews. The Wyoming Highway Patrol urged drivers to be extra cautious and follow the law to help keep everyone safe.
A photo shared by the patrol shows how dangerous the situation could have been, with the patrol car badly damaged. Thankfully, the lieutenant is safe, but it serves as a reminder of how important it is to always follow the road safety rules.
Key Safety Tips to Remember
- Always slow down and move over when you see emergency vehicles.
- When driving on a multi-lane road, change lanes to give space for emergency workers.
- On roads with two lanes, slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when you see emergency vehicles.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and watch for flashing lights, even if you don’t see the emergency vehicle immediately.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol reminds everyone that these safety rules are not just for officers but for all emergency personnel working on the road, including firefighters, paramedics, and road crews. It’s a simple but effective way to reduce accidents and protect the lives of those who help keep us safe.
Conclusion
The crash involving the Wyoming Highway Patrol lieutenant is a serious reminder of the dangers that officers and other emergency workers face every day. By following the simple rules of slowing down and moving over, we can all help to protect them and ensure that everyone stays safe on the roads.
(Source : capcity.news)
