NYSP: Distracted Driving Causes Patrol Vehicle Crash
A New York State Trooper was sent to the hospital after his police cruiser was struck by a driver on a busy parkway early Sunday morning.
At 5:43 a.m. April 12, the New York State Police responded to the eastbound Southern State Parkway just west of exit 14 for a crash.
Southern State Parkway/Google Street View
Troopers had reportedly positioned their marked police cars to safely assist with traffic control due to the hazardous location of the crash.
Then, just minutes later, at 5:47 am, a gray Jeep Wrangler reportedly hit the back of the marked car. According to police, the impact pushed the patrol car a "significant distance from the right lane to the center and left lanes" and the Jeep left the road, landing on the right shoulder.
NY state trooper hit and injured on Southern State Parkway/ NYSP
Police provided an update on Tuesday, identifying the driver as Monica Diaz Cabera, 26.
According to police, Cabera was driving at an unsafe speed and failed to move over for a marked police vehicle.
She reportedly told police she was "distracted while adjusting her boot and socks in side the vehicle at the time of the collision."
The Trooper and driver of the Jeep were both taken to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. They have been since released from the hospital.
"The New York State Police remind motorists that distracted driving remains to be a top cause of roadway collisions and creates serious danger to first responders and the public. Drivers must remain alert, avoid distractions, and stay focused on the roadway at all times."
More From WPDH-WPDA
