Fulton County, GA (November 21, 2024) – Two East Point Police officers were hospitalized early Wednesday morning following a crash involving a tractor-trailer on I-285 South before Camp Creek Pkwy. The accident occurred while officers were responding to an earlier incident with their emergency lights activated.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, a tractor-trailer traveling too fast for roadway conditions failed to move over for emergency vehicles. The semi struck three East Point Police Department vehicles parked in the first lane near the concrete median wall, hitting the vehicles and the wall. The force of the impact left two officers injured and all three police vehicles destroyed.
One officer was inside his patrol vehicle when it was struck, while another officer outside the vehicle attempted to flee but fell and was tragically run over by his own vehicle due to the collision’s force. The officer was dragged under the vehicle as a result. The second officer was hospitalized with severe injuries.
A third officer narrowly avoided being struck by running into oncoming traffic to evade the oncoming tractor-trailer. Fortunately, this officer sustained no serious injuries despite the close call.
The East Point Police Department shared photos of the severely damaged patrol vehicles, emphasizing the severity of the incident and expressing gratitude that no lives were lost.
The department and Georgia State Patrol are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Georgia
Accidents involving tractor-trailers are a frequent and dangerous occurrence on Georgia roadways, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. High-speed travel, challenging weather conditions, and insufficient adherence to traffic laws like the “Move Over Law” can contribute to these catastrophic events.
Georgia’s “Move Over Law” requires drivers to change lanes or reduce speed when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside with their lights activated. Failure to comply not only endangers first responders but also leads to devastating accidents, as seen in this tragic incident on I-285.
Interstate corridors like I-285 are particularly hazardous due to heavy commercial vehicle traffic. Drivers of large trucks are urged to maintain safe speeds and be vigilant for emergency situations to prevent crashes of this magnitude. Law enforcement and transportation agencies continuously work to improve safety protocols and educate drivers about reducing risks on the road.
Victims of tractor-trailer accidents often face long recovery periods, significant medical expenses, and emotional trauma. For first responders like the East Point Police officers injured in this crash, their service and sacrifice highlight the inherent dangers of their work.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, it is essential to seek professional guidance to understand your rights and options. Legal and financial support can help ease the burden of recovery.
At Local Accident Reports, we are dedicated to providing timely and accurate information about accidents while connecting victims with resources to aid in their recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.