AUSTIN (KXAN) — A sheriff’s office near Dallas is reminding drivers to pay attention to first responders pulled over after some officers were nearly hit by a passing car.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office published a scary video to Facebook, saying one of its deputies and a Forney Police officer “were nearly struck by a passing vehicle after it collided with the officer’s patrol vehicle” on Sunday. KCSO said they were working a call on the freeway.
The video shows officers and apparent civilians talking on the side of the road when a car slams into the stopped patrol vehicle, causing debris to fly everywhere.
“This incident serves as an important reminder that traffic stops, crash scenes, and roadside investigations are among the most dangerous situations first responders face,” KCSO said.
The sheriff’s office also included information about Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down law, which requires drivers to move over an entire lane or slow to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when approaching law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, municipal waste trucks, emergency responders and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.
“Your attention behind the wheel can save a life. Help us ensure that every deputy, police officer, firefighter, EMS provider, and tow operator makes it home safely at the end of every shift,” KCSO said.