A Mississippi State Trooper was injured after a driver failed to slow down and move over in a construction zone in Jones County, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Officials said the trooper’s patrol vehicle was stationary with blue emergency lights activated, serving as a clear warning to approaching motorists that law enforcement activity was underway. Despite these signals, another vehicle rear-ended the patrol car, resulting in a collision that caused injuries to the trooper.
Authorities confirmed that the trooper sustained minor injuries, but emphasized that the incident had the potential to result in far more serious consequences. DPS officials noted that this crash marks the second recent rear-end collision involving a Mississippi State Trooper, highlighting a growing concern about driver behavior in construction and emergency response zones.
Construction zones often require troopers to remain stopped or moving slowly while monitoring traffic patterns, assisting road crews, or enforcing safety measures. These conditions place law enforcement officers at increased risk, particularly when motorists are distracted, speeding, or fail to comply with Mississippi’s move-over laws.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety reiterated that drivers are legally required to slow down, remain attentive, and move over when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Failure to do so not only puts troopers and road workers in danger but can also lead to serious crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
DPS officials stressed that even minor collisions involving patrol vehicles can have lasting impacts, including injuries to first responders, damage to public safety equipment, and disruptions to traffic flow. They urged motorists to treat construction zones and emergency scenes with heightened caution and patience.
While the injured trooper is expected to recover, state officials said the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced daily by law enforcement officers and highway workers across Mississippi. DPS continues to encourage drivers to stay alert, reduce speed, and follow all posted warnings when traveling through construction zones to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Originally reported by Jon Ross Myers in Tippah News.
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