Cedartown, GA (September 19, 2025) A Polk County sheriff’s deputy was injured Thursday morning in a crash on Hwy 278 after another driver turned into his path and fled the scene. According to the sheriff’s office, the collision happened around 6:54 a.m. near the western ramp of Hwy 27.
Investigators reported that Deputy Ben Watson was traveling eastbound on Hwy 278 when a westbound vehicle made a left turn across his lane. In an attempt to avoid impact, Watson struck a stop sign before colliding with a second vehicle that was yielding to traffic. His patrol car then left the roadway, entered a culvert, and came to rest against an embankment.
Emergency medical services from Advent Redmond EMS responded to the crash and transported Deputy Watson to a local medical center with injuries. Fortunately, no other drivers reported injuries in the incident. The driver who initially caused the crash fled the scene, and law enforcement is continuing to investigate.
Our thoughts are with Deputy Watson as he recovers from his injuries.
Law Enforcement Vehicle Accidents in Georgia
The crash on Hwy 278 in Cedartown illustrates the dangers faced by law enforcement officers as they patrol Georgia’s roadways. Deputies and police officers spend long hours behind the wheel, often responding to emergencies or monitoring traffic, which increases their exposure to roadway hazards. In this case, a driver making an unsafe turn not only caused an accident but also fled the scene, compounding the seriousness of the situation.
Accidents involving law enforcement vehicles are particularly complex. While officers are trained to drive defensively and under pressure, they remain vulnerable to the same roadway risks as other drivers. Factors such as unsafe left turns, distraction, or reckless driving by other motorists frequently contribute to injury crashes in Georgia. The fact that Deputy Watson’s patrol vehicle struck both roadside structures and another car highlights how chain-reaction collisions can unfold in a matter of seconds.
For victims of roadway accidents, whether law enforcement or civilian, the consequences can extend well beyond the crash itself. Injuries may require hospitalization, physical therapy, and time away from work. Families often bear emotional and financial burdens while their loved ones recover. In the case of public servants like deputies, such incidents also impact the broader community, as their absence is felt in daily law enforcement operations.
Georgia continues to face challenges with drivers failing to yield the right of way or fleeing crash scenes. These behaviors increase risks for everyone on the road and carry serious legal consequences. Preventing such incidents requires ongoing public awareness, driver accountability, and consistent enforcement of traffic laws.
Local Accident Reports is dedicated to keeping Georgia residents informed about serious roadway incidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a Cedartown accident, connecting with supportive resources can make a vital difference in recovery. Local Accident Reports can help guide you through the next steps after a serious crash.
