Smyrna, TN (March 11, 2026) – A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper was injured on Monday after a passing vehicle struck a patrol cruiser that was stopped along Interstate 24 while assisting a motorist in Rutherford County.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on the eastbound side of Interstate 24 near the Sam Ridley Parkway exit in Smyrna, Tennessee. Authorities reported that the trooper had parked on the right shoulder of the interstate with emergency lights activated while assisting a disabled vehicle on the side of the roadway.
While the patrol cruiser was stationary, a passing vehicle reportedly veered off the roadway and struck the rear of the patrol unit. Officials said the force of the collision caused significant damage to the cruiser and pushed it forward several feet along the shoulder. The trooper sustained minor injuries in the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Authorities confirmed that the trooper has since been released. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash also suffered minor injuries and received medical treatment.
No additional details regarding the cause of the collision were immediately released, and the incident remains under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
We hope for a full recovery for those injured in this incident.
Why Are “Move Over” Laws Important for Roadside Safety?
Roadside crashes involving emergency vehicles remain a significant safety concern across the United States. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and roadside assistance personnel often work just feet away from fast-moving traffic.
Most states, including Tennessee, enforce “Move Over” laws that require drivers to slow down and move into an adjacent lane when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along the roadway with flashing lights.
These laws are designed to create a safety buffer for first responders and stranded motorists. When drivers fail to reduce speed or change lanes, the risk of secondary collisions can increase dramatically.
Investigators examining crashes involving stopped patrol vehicles typically evaluate factors such as driver attention, lane position, traffic speed, and roadway conditions to determine how the incident occurred and whether any violations contributed to the collision.
