North Platte, NE (August 15, 2026) – A Nebraska State Trooper suffered minor injuries after an SUV rear-ended his patrol vehicle while he was providing traffic control on Interstate 80 on Thursday night, August 13.
The crash happened shortly after 10 p.m. as the trooper was seated inside his cruiser with emergency lights activated. The trooper was assisting with a separate crash when the SUV struck the rear of the patrol car; he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was later released.
The SUV driver was not injured. The driver received citations for failing to move over for an emergency vehicle, having an open alcohol container, no registration, and no insurance.
We are glad the trooper’s injuries were minor and hope he continues to recover.
Why Is the Move Over Rule Important Near Emergency Vehicles?
Move-over laws are designed to provide a safer buffer around emergency vehicles stopped along highways. When possible, drivers are generally expected to change lanes away from a stopped emergency vehicle or reduce their speed when a lane change cannot be made safely.
A stopped patrol car with emergency lights activated can indicate that an active roadside response is underway. Drivers approaching these scenes should watch for lane restrictions, reduce distractions, and be prepared for traffic conditions to change. Maintaining extra space can also give drivers more time to react if another vehicle moves unexpectedly near the emergency scene.
