Full Notification

Indianapolis – Two Indiana State Troopers are recovering from minor injuries after being struck along the interstate while inside their police cars. The first crash happened yesterday around 10:20 a.m. when Sergeant Shawn Okeefe, a 22 year state police veteran, was on the right shoulder investigating a crash along I-465 near Kentucky Avenue. While investigating the first crash, Sgt. O’keefe’s car was struck from behind by a 2002 Ford van. O’keefe was seated inside his patrol car when it was struck and was treated at the scene by the Indianapolis Fire Department for minor injuries. As a result of this crash, 48 year old Phil Kaldahl of Brownsburg was issued a ticket for Speed too Fast for Weather Conditions.
 
Earlier this morning around 6:45 a.m.16 year Indiana State Police Veteran Master Trooper Charles Taylor, was assisting with a disabled vehicle stalled in the left lane on I-65 northbound just north of 21^st Street when his car was struck. Preliminary investigation determined a white 2012 Ford pick-up, driven by 53 year old Russell Jones of Franklin, failed to yield to two emergency vehicles blocking the left lane and struck the back of Taylor’s patrol car. To safely warn oncoming traffic of the hazard ahead, one Trooper was blocking the left lane with his car and emergency lights before a slight curve. After passing the first Trooper, Jones moved back into the left lane and struck Taylor's car. Master Trooper Taylor was transported to Methodist Hospital where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Jones was issued two tickets, one for Failure to Yield to a Stationary Emergency Vehicle and another for Unsafe Lane Movement.
 
Indiana State Law I.C. 9-21-8-35(b) says: Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when the authorized emergency vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:
 
(1) proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four (4) lanes with not less than two (2) lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle;  or
 
(2) proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle to a speed at least ten (10) miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.
 
 We would like to remind motorists of the following safety tips when approaching an emergency vehicle along the road:
 

• As soon as you see the flashing emergency lights you should immediately begin reducing your speed as well as increase the following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. By reducing speed and increasing following distance you substantially increase your ability to safely react to the emergency vehicle or other hazards that may suddenly present themselves.
• If possible, move to the next lane away from the emergency vehicle. This provides a safe barrier for the emergency worker and also allows traffic coming behind you to clearly see the emergency vehicle on the side of the road so they can begin to take appropriate action. 
• If you’re unable to safely change lanes, reduce your speed at least 10 miles per hour under the posted speed limit and move as far away as possible, within your lane, from the emergency vehicle. 
• Remember, according to Indiana State Law, emergency vehicles include: Firetrucks, Ambulances, Tow Trucks, Highway Maintenance Vehicles, Utility Service Vehicles, Police Cars, Roadside Service Vehicles and Garbage Trucks