Bellevue,WA : WSP says distracted driver caused crash that injured 26-year-old trooper on December, Tuesday 26th 2017

A Washington State Patrol trooper is recovering after being hit trying to help a stranded driver. Investigators say a distracted driver slammed into his cruiser in the middle of Interstate-90.

Detectives believe the driver who caused the crash violated the state’s ‘Move Over Law’ – a law everyone is supposed to follow when first responders are working an emergency scene on the highway.

The state patrol says their 26-year-old trooper had stopped behind a stalled car in the middle lane of eastbound I-90 with his emergency lights running on Tuesday.

But while the trooper was speaking to the stalled driver, another car came barreling up behind them and struck his cruiser which sent the officer flying.

“We all realize that could be us,” said Sgt. Julie Fisher. “We realize that’s a danger we face every shift. It’s very scary.”

Officials say 212 police cruisers have been hit while officers were on duty between 2007 and 2014. At the same time, more than 4,000 violators have been busted for not following the law.

“When you’re driving, just drive,” said Fisher. “Focus on that.”

Washington State Department of Transportation cameras show the traffic backups caused by the crash near Eastgate.

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WSP says distracted driver caused crash that injured 26-year-old trooper