A Colorado State Patrol trooper is recuperating at home after his vehicle was struck by a suspected DUI driver on Highway 115 near Little Turkey Creek Road in El Paso County. The incident, which occurred around 3:44 p.m. on Wednesday, resulted in Trooper Tyler Atkins being airlifted to the hospital due to potentially serious injuries. However, the Colorado State Patrol later confirmed that Atkins was released from the hospital the same evening.
KKTV
reports that the other driver involved in the collision stayed at the scene and was also transported to a hospital.
This incident underscores an alarming trend wherein several State Patrol vehicles have been hit this year alone, marking the 11th such instance. The driver, suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash, accentuates the ongoing conversation regarding highway safety and the perils troopers face while on duty. In an expression of frustration and warning, Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard stated, “If the steering wheel is in your hands, you must be sober, your eyes must be up, and it is your responsibility to keep everyone else on the road safe.” This quote, obtained by both
Denver7
and
9News
, reflects the Colorado State Patrol’s zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving and not adhering to traffic laws designed to protect those on the highways.
Colorado State Patrol’s message has become even more urgent following the recent death of Golden Police Department’s Officer Evan Dunn. Dunn was killed last week while investigating a traffic incident when a suspected DUI driver crashed into a vehicle involved in the original traffic crash, also hitting another officer. These events resonate with the dangers law enforcement officers encounter and the consequences of impaired driving.
In light of these occurrences, the Colorado State Patrol has reiterated calls for adherence to the state’s Move Over law, which mandates that drivers must move to a neighboring lane or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles. According to
9News
, Col. Matthew C. Packard reminds drivers that the law exists to protect lives. “There are no warnings for failing to move over, there are no warnings for impaired driving, just long-lasting consequences. Do your job as a driver and focus on the task at hand. Our families, our lives, and your safety depend on it.” concludes Packard in his statement amidst a period marked by repeated highway incidents involving law enforcement vehicles.
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