Rochester Hills, MI (May 31, 2026) – A 27-year-old Waterford Township man suffered critical injuries early in the morning after crashing into a police vehicle on M-59 in Rochester Hills.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the collision happened around 2:27 a.m. on Friday, May 29, on westbound M-59 between Crooks Road and Adams Road. Deputies were investigating an unrelated matter at the time and had a patrol vehicle positioned to block traffic with emergency lights activated.
Investigators said the man was driving a 2018 Chevy Impala westbound when he struck the parked patrol vehicle. The driver was taken to McLaren Oakland Hospital, where he remained in critical condition. No injuries involving deputies were reported.
Authorities continue examining the circumstances that led to the early morning collision on M-59. We are thinking of the injured driver and hoping for his recovery.
Why Crashes Into Emergency Vehicles Often Happen at Night
Crashes involving parked emergency vehicles frequently occur during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced, and drivers have less time to react to changing traffic patterns. Even with flashing emergency lights activated, high speeds and distracted driving can increase the danger for everyone on the roadway.
Traffic control vehicles are commonly positioned to protect officers and motorists during investigations or roadside assistance. Investigators reviewing these collisions often examine lighting conditions, vehicle speed, roadway layout, and driver attention before impact. On busy highways, sudden lane closures or blocked traffic lanes can create hazardous conditions, particularly during overnight hours when drivers may be fatigued.
