ADA COUNTY, Idaho -- Newly released dashboard camera video shows an Idaho State Police trooper narrowly escape serious injury.
The trooper's patrol vehicle was stopped with lights activated in the median on eastbound Interstate 84 shortly before 10 a.m. as he assisted a stranded motorist with a flat tire and was wearing a yellow safety vest, according to a news release.
The preliminary investigation indicates one vehicle began to slow prior to passing the patrol car. That vehicle was hit by another, causing a chain reaction of four eastbound vehicles. Two involved pickups were pushed left, sideswiping the parked patrol car and hitting the rear of the Toyota. The owner of the Toyota who was also standing outside his vehicle reported minor injuries but was not transported.
The trooper can be seen on the video jumping over a barrier to escape the impact. He was transported via ground ambulance to a nearby hospital and was released with minor injuries.
"Traffic stops are very high risk. They're necessary to keep people safe on the road and to help those stranded, but we need motorists' help so we can all go home at night," Idaho State Police Sgt. Brandalyn Crapo said in a statement. "Slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles and workers isn't just a courtesy, it's the law. Drivers need to be alert to emergency lights and vehicles and always alert to what's happening around them. That keeps all of us safe."
The crash remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.
