Pickup truck crashes into a stopped patrol car on a highway in Florida, leaving an officer seriously injured

A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officer was seriously injured after a truck violently crashed into the rear of his patrol vehicle while he was participating in a lane closure operation in a construction zone in Orange County, near Orlando.

The accident occurred on Tuesday, October 27, around 9:12 p.m., in the southbound lanes of State Road 429 (SR-429), near mile marker 6, in Bay Lake, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

According to the preliminary report, a 2026 Toyota Tundra was driving in the outer lane as it approached an active construction zone. Further ahead, an officer was parked inside their patrol car with the emergency lights on as part of an operation to close that lane.

Authorities indicated that the driver of the van did not change lanes, despite the visible emergency lights and warnings about the construction, resulting in a collision with the rear of the police vehicle.

The violence of the collision was captured in the photographs released by the authorities. The patrol vehicle sustained considerable damage to its rear, while the truck sustained serious damage at the front, including the hood, the bumper, and other components.

The agent suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

For his part, the driver of the Toyota, a 53-year-old man residing in Davenport, was taken to Celebration Hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

The authorities did not disclose the identities of those involved.

The accident is still under investigation, and authorities stated that it remains to be determined what charges may be brought.

Dave Kerner, executive director of the FLHSMV, expressed his sorrow over the incident and recalled that numerous agents, first responders, and roadside assistance workers have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries in accidents that could have been avoided.

"The simple act of changing lanes gives them the space they need to work safely and significantly increases safety for everyone on Florida's roads," the official stated.

What does Florida law require when there is an emergency vehicle stopped?

After the accident, the Highway Patrol reminded drivers of their obligation to comply with the law known as Move Over, designed to protect police officers, rescue workers, and service personnel on the roads.

The regulation states that when approaching certain emergency vehicles, public service vehicles, or broken-down vehicles stopped on the side of the road, drivers must move to the adjacent lane when it is safe to do so.

If it is not possible to change lanes, you must reduce your speed to 20 miles per hour below the established limit. When the limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must drive at a speed of five miles per hour.

Failure to comply with this legislation may result in fines, additional fees, and points on the driver's license.