A vehicle struck the rear of a Sheriff’s Office vehicle pushing it towards another patrol vehicle and two working deputies. One deputy was able to move out of the impact zone.
Major Accident Involving Hays County Deputy
On August 18, 2015, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Hays County Sheriff’s Office deputies were providing traffic control for a semi-truck and trailer that had high-centered on Highway 290 near Holder Lane in Dripping Springs, Hays County Texas. Vehicle traffic on Highway 290 was reduced to one lane in each direction with officers and fire department personnel at the scene. Emergency crews and equipment were being utilized at the time of the incident including emergency lights and reflective-worn gear.
A vehicle struck the rear of a Sheriff’s Office vehicle pushing it towards another patrol vehicle and two working deputies. One deputy was able to move out of the impact zone. The second deputy was forced to move into the oncoming traffic lane and was struck by a third vehicle traveling at an estimated 15-20 miles per hour. As a precautionary measure, the deputy was airlifted to an area hospital where it was determined he received no major injuries from the impact. He remains on light duty while he recovers.
The accident is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Hays County would like this incident to remind citizens of the importance of being aware of your surroundings at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Driver inattention and driver distractions can impact numerous individuals in seconds.