There are many activities that if performed while driving that increase the likelihood of being involved in a car accident. Drivers need to ensure that they are always practicing safe driving to help prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the roadways. One thing that safe driving entails is ensuring that you move over or slow down when you see emergency vehicles, tow trucks and/or highway machinery equipment on the roadway. A recent story coming out of Wauwatosa demonstrates the importance of this.
Recently, a Wauwatosa police officer was responding to a call to check on an individual who was wandering in the middle of a roadway. The officer had parked his squad and was out of the vehicle walking. While walking, he was struck by a passing vehicle, which had not moved over a lane. The vehicle struck the officer in the elbow with the right side mirror of the vehicle. Following the collision, the driver of the vehicle was issued a citation for failure to change lanes for stopped emergency vehicle. Fortunately, the officer only suffered a minor injury from the incident.
This incident shows the importance of following Wisconsin’s law of moving over or slowing down for emergency vehicles, tow trucks and/or highway machinery equipment. Officers are urging drivers to ensure that when they see one of these vehicles that are slowing down or moving over a lane. Fortunately, the officer only suffered a a minor injury, but it could have been worse. Accidents involving pedestrians often end in serious injuries for the pedestrians.