Not enough drivers understand how important it is to move over when people are stranded on the side of the highway. Texas police officers were assisting a driver when a semi-truck hit their squad car, pinning them down. They serve as an example of the damage that can be caused by the failure to provide enough space. 

Texas police officers get pinned by SUV

Two police officers were taking the time to assist a stranded driver on the side of a bridge in Lubbock, Texas, when their day took a massive turn for the worse. 

Suddenly, a semi-truck collided with one of the police SUVs, sending it flying into the officers. They were both pinned by the Chevrolet Tahoe against the cement barrier on the side of the bridge. 

One officer remained upright, unable to move his legs. The other was left dangling upside down as cars whizzed through the underpass. He nearly fell to his death. 

Luckily, strangers immediately took action. They jumped out of their trucks and grabbed ladders to reach the officer. Then they used a rope to pull him to safety. 

According to Fox 4 News, the police officers and one civilian with minor injuries are all expected to make full recoveries. The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office extended its thanks to all who helped the officers. 

Also, the crash is still under an ongoing investigation. It’s unclear if the driver of the semi-truck will face any charges. Plus, the driver might not have had the time or space to move over. 

But the failure to move over for or to at least slow down for a vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road, like an emergency vehicle or tow truck, is illegal.