The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported a trooper was injured Wednesday night after being struck by a vehicle while parked in a patrol vehicle at a construction site.
Officials said the collision happened on the Kilpatrick Turnpike and that the motorist entered a “closed construction zone” and struck the OHP vehicle, which had its emergency lights activated.
The trooper and the motorist suffered minor injuries from the collision.
“Incidents like this happen far too often and are most often the result of driver inattention. While we’re disappointed that another patrol unit is a total loss, we’re grateful this inattentive driver did not strike a road construction worker,” officials said in a social media post.
Officials asked motorists to remain alert when they’re driving in construction zones.
“They’re out there making the roads you travel safer and better. Their safety is far more important than a text message,” officials said in the social media post. “And we really shouldn’t have to say this, but please avoid the vehicles with the flashing lights and keep it in the lane.”