August 22, 2024 – Dodge Co., Wi – At 8:06 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, a Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy was on a traffic stop, promoting traffic safety on County Highway E between County Highway I and State Highway 26.
As the deputy was seated in the squad car doing paperwork with the emergency lights activated, a passing motorist struck the driver’s side of the squad car causing damage to the lower driver’s side of the vehicle before striking the rear of the pickup truck that had been stopped for the initial traffic violation.
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No one was seriously injured in this crash. The deputy was taken for medical attention and EMS was contacted to respond as a precaution for the driver of the pickup truck that was struck. The driver of the vehicle that struck the squad car was not injured. This incident is being investigated by the Wisconsin State Patrol and as such we will not comment further on the investigation.
This incident is a reminder of how important it reduce distractions while driving on our highways. Remember, Wisconsin State Statute requires that driver’s move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles. This law is not just meant to protect law enforcement, but the citizens we are serving at the time. A violation of this law results in a citation in the amount of 263.50 and 3 points against your driver’s license.
More information on this law and its requirements can be found at this Wisconsin Department of Transportation Website: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/move-over/default.aspx
Thankfully, the damage/injury in this incident was far less serious than it could have been and all involved are going to be okay. It is our hope that all drivers take note of this serious incident and make changes in their driving habits to prevent incidents like this from happening in the future.
Sheriff Dale Schmidt is very proud of the work of his deputies, and in this case, the way this deputy after their squad car was struck, immediately took action to ensure the safety of others involved and those who were passing by. In addition, another deputy was conveniently just down the road and was able to give additional aid that was needed immediately. Our community can be proud that even when their lives are put in danger, they step up putting others safety first.