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Southlake, TX (August 4, 2026) – A Southlake police officer was hurt on Monday morning after a marked patrol vehicle was struck from behind while assisting a stranded motorist on SH-114.
The accident occurred on August 3, along the eastbound lanes of State Highway 114 near N Carroll Avenue. The patrol vehicle was parked while the officer was helping a stranded driver when another vehicle struck it from the rear. The collision led to the closure of the eastbound lanes for a period of time.
Emergency units took the officer to a hospital as a precaution. The Southlake Department of Public Safety later confirmed the officer had been released. No arrests have been made, and additional details about the other driver were not immediately available.
The investigation into the wreck is continuing as investigators work to determine what led to the roadway impact. We wish the injured officer a continued recovery.
Why Move-Over Laws Help Protect Emergency Personnel
Move-over laws are designed to protect law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and stranded motorists along busy highways. In many states, drivers approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights are required to move to another lane when it is safe to do so. If changing lanes is not possible, they are generally expected to slow down and proceed with caution.
Rear-end collisions involving stopped emergency vehicles often occur because of distracted driving, excessive speed, or a failure to notice traffic conditions ahead. Investigators typically review roadway evidence, vehicle damage, witness statements, and available video footage to determine how these crashes occurred. These findings can also help identify measures that improve safety for those working along roadways.
