FORNEY, Texas (KRLD) — A North Texas sheriff’s office is issuing a stark warning to drivers after a routine highway response nearly turned fatal over the weekend.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office shared a terrifying video to social media showing the moments a deputy and a Forney Police officer were nearly struck by an inattentive driver on the freeway.
The dramatic footage captures officers and civilians standing along the shoulder of the highway, deep in conversation during a roadside investigation. Suddenly, an oncoming vehicle slams directly into a stopped, parked police cruiser.
The impact violently shatters the patrol vehicle, sending metal fragments and debris flying across the roadway—missing the first responders and bystanders by just a matter of feet.
According to the Sheriff's Office, the officers were out of their vehicles actively working a call when the collision happened.
"This incident serves as an important reminder that traffic stops, crash scenes, and roadside investigations are among the most dangerous situations first responders face," the department said in a statement.
Texas law enforcement officials are using the close call to remind the public about the state's Move Over or Slow Down law.
The law strictly requires motorists approaching any stationary emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck, utility vehicle, or TxDOT worker with their flashing overhead lights activated to:
- Move over one entire lane away from the stopped vehicle, or
- Slow down to a speed that is 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit if changing lanes is unsafe or impossible.
"Your attention behind the wheel can save a life," the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office urged. "Help us ensure that every deputy, police officer, firefighter, EMS provider, and tow operator makes it home safely at the end of every shift."
No injuries have been reported from the crash.
Impact violently shatters patrol car, sending metal fragments flying
Impact violently shatters patrol car, sending metal fragments flying
