Oklahoma: Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper struck by overturned vehicle
Dash cam video shows the guard cable catch on the SUV as it tumbles over. OHP has redacted part of the video where Richardson is struck and knocked to the ground. People then quickly stop and try to help as the he attempts to get back up.
Lt. John Vincent says that even as Richardson is lying on the ground with broken ribs, and leg and head injuries, all he asks about is whether the people stepping into the road to help him were safe too.
"He couldn't turn the switch off that he was concerned for other people's safety above his own. To me that speaks high regards to the person wearing the uniform that day," Vincent said.
Eventually, crews arrive and rush Richardson to the hospital.
"From what I understand he's doing really well. He understands he's lucky to be where he's at," Vincent said.
Miraculously, the driver of the SUV, a 17-year-old girl, walked away from the accident unhurt. The OHP tells FOX 25 she was on the way to school when she lost control of her vehicle.
"Early reports indicate she was just driving too fast for the road conditions and basically hit some black ice on the bridge," Vincent said.
For troopers it is a reminder of how dangerous the job can be for those in uniform.
"You never know when something could spiral out of control and end your career or end your life," Vincent said.
The crash is still under investigation, no charges have been filed against the driver of the SUV.
Related Links
Links provided with these articles were active and accurate as of the posting of the article to ResponderSafety.com. However, web sites change and the organization hosting the page at the link may have moved or removed it since this article was posted. Therefore, some links may no longer be active.