OAKLAND PARK, FL : Road Ranger hospitalized after collision on I-95 in Oakland Park on Tuesday, 2nd January 2018

A road ranger is expected to be OK after being rear-ended by another driver in Oakland Park, Tuesday, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on the southbound lanes of Interstate 95, near Cypress Creek Road in Oakland Park.

Investigators said the ranger had pulled over to assist another trooper when a car smashed into the back of the ranger’s truck, shoving it into wet sand.

The collision caused the truck’s air bags to deploy with the ranger still inside.

The road ranger was transported to Broward Health Medical Center. The driver was transported to Broward Health Imperial Point with injuries that were not life-threatening.

“Out here, especially with the weather, our job is already tough as it is,” said Joe Lapoint of Westway Towing, who was on the scene. “It’s already rough having to watch your back as you’re on the side of the road dealing with anything. Even with all these lights, [drivers] still pay no attention to it.”

January marks Move Over Law Awareness Month.

Authorities encourage drivers to slow down and follow the Move Over Law when spotting anyone working on the side of the road.

“It’s bad just due to the fact that there are fellow tow mates just like us out here providing a service,” said Lapoint.

The law requires drivers to either move over for police, towing or emergency personnel, or to slow down 20 mph below the speed limit.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think half of Florida understands the Move Over Law, period,” said Lapoint. Unfortunately, people like us that are out here trying to help people on the side of the road end up having to deal with the consequences.”

In 2016 there were more than 200 accidents that happened in Florida due to drivers not following the Move Over Law, according to AAA.

“People need to watch where they’re going, stay off their phones,” said Lapoint. “Need to focus on the road.”

It remains unknown if weather played a role in the crash or if the driver will face any charges.

Source :
Road Ranger hospitalized after collision on I-95 in Oakland Park