Trooper Injured On I-80

For the second time within a week a Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicle has been struck while parked at the roadside. Wyoming Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Stephen Townsend says the crash occurred on Interstate 80 about seven miles west of Laramie, on the westbound lanes just after 10 am Wednesday.

Variable speed limit signs were in operation and had been activated in the area reducing the speed limit from 75 mph to 55 mph. 

Troopers were investigating multiple vehicle slide-offs and crashes in the area near the Summit known locally as the “Tavern.” The Trooper was seated in his parked patrol vehicle with his emergency lights activated approximately 8 feet from the roadway in the median working a single vehicle crash.

Townsend says the driver of a westbound Ford F-250 pickup lost control of his vehicle in the driving lane and the vehicle slid out of control across the passing lane, off the roadway and into the median where it struck the passenger side of the 2010 Dodge Charger patrol vehicle.

Both the driver of the pickup and the Trooper received minor injuries however, neither required transport from the scene via ambulance. Both were treated and released from Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie.

This crash remains under investigation at this time. It is possible that the Troopers patrol vehicle is a total loss.

Townsend says members of the Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to urge drivers to be patient, courteous and pay attention to their surroundings, especially when Approaching stopped emergency vehicles regardless of the current road conditions. The Summit is the highest point on transcontinental Interstate 80 at an altitude of 8,640 feet.