No injuries were reported after a Michigan State Police trooper’s patrol car was struck during a traffic stop on I-696.
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – A Michigan State Police trooper narrowly avoided being struck by a distracted driver early Saturday morning on westbound I-696 near Woodward Avenue, according to a press release from the department.
The Metro North trooper had just completed a traffic stop around 2:20 a.m. when he saw a Honda traveling directly toward his patrol car. He ran across the freeway to avoid being hit.
After the Honda passed, the trooper got back in his patrol car and stopped the vehicle on westbound I-696 just before Main Street. While he was speaking with the Honda’s driver, a Kia approached at a high rate of speed and struck the patrol car.
The 22-year-old female driver of the Honda, from North Street, was cited for careless driving. She was not impaired but had been trying to adjust her contact lenses while driving, according to the release.
The 29-year-old male driver of the Kia, from Auburn Hills, was arrested for operating while impaired. No injuries were reported.
Lt. Mike Shaw, a public information officer with the Michigan State Police, offered some reminders to drivers in light of the incident.
“First, if you see an emergency vehicle with its lights on, move over and slow down,” Shaw said. “Finally, and I shouldn’t have to say this, there is never a need to drive impaired, ever.”