RCMP officer nearly hit near Lashburn traffic stop

A Saskatchewan RCMP traffic officer avoided serious injury on October 8 when an SUV struck a parked police vehicle during a traffic stop west of Lashburn on Highway 16.

According to the RCMP release, a Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan officer stopped a driver at about 10:00 a.m. with emergency equipment activated. The officer parked the marked police vehicle in the correct position and got out to speak with them.

While the officer was outside, an SUV travelling in the driving lane at highway speed hit the police vehicle. It narrowly missed the officer, who was struck by debris, including the sideview mirror. The RCMP says the officer was not badly hurt, but the police vehicle was heavily damaged.

The SUV stopped after the collision. Police say its adult male driver was ticketed for driving without due care and attention. A ticket is not a criminal charge, and the release does not name the driver.

Supt. Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, said this is the second time this year an officer has nearly been hit during a traffic stop. He said the count leaves out close calls the RCMP does not report publicly, and the video is frightening to watch. That earlier near-hit came on February 28, the release notes.

St. Germaine said drivers must drop to 60 km/h whenever passing emergency vehicles with lights on, stay attentive and give responders room to work. He added that every officer has family waiting at home.