Beaver Co., UT (August 13, 2026) – One deputy was injured on Tuesday afternoon, August 11, when a passing vehicle struck two patrol vehicles on northbound Interstate 15 between Beaver and Cove Fort. The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m.
A trooper and a county deputy were inside their vehicles on the left shoulder while assisting with an earlier collision. Both patrol vehicles had their emergency lights activated when another vehicle left the roadway and struck them.
The deputy suffered a broken arm and other minor injuries. He was later released and returned home. The trooper was reported to be okay, and no injuries to the passing driver were known.
The left northbound lane was temporarily blocked, causing traffic delays. Authorities continue reviewing available evidence to determine why the vehicle left the roadway.
We hope the injured deputy continues to recover steadily.
Why Roadside Incidents Can Lead to Additional Collisions
Vehicles parked along a highway shoulder remain close to traffic moving at higher speeds. A small steering error or lane departure can quickly bring an approaching vehicle into the shoulder before there is enough time to avoid contact.
Emergency lights can improve visibility, but they cannot prevent every secondary impact. Drivers may also encounter narrowed space, changing traffic patterns, or distractions near an earlier roadway incident.
Travel speed, shoulder width, traffic volume, visibility, and driver attention can all influence the risk. Secondary crashes may also create additional lane closures and expose people already working or waiting near the roadway to further danger.
