Semi strikes RCMP cruiser during Highway 1 traffic stop near Grand Coulee

A Saskatchewan RCMP officer narrowly avoided being struck by a semi after it collided with a parked police vehicle during a traffic stop on Highway 1 near Grand Coulee.

The incident occurred Feb. 28 at about 3:45 p.m. while an RCMP traffic services officer was conducting a stop in the eastbound lane of the highway.

According to RCMP, the officer had completed the stop and was walking back toward his patrol vehicle when he saw a semi-truck approaching directly toward him at highway speed. The truck did not move into the passing lane.

The officer ran toward the ditch to avoid being hit, entering it at about the same time the semi collided with the parked police cruiser.

Police said the cruiser was significantly damaged. The officer was not physically injured.

At the time of the collision, the RCMP vehicle’s emergency lights were activated and the officer was wearing a full working uniform. Police said the cruiser was positioned properly to safely conduct the traffic stop.

The semi stopped after the collision and remained at the scene. The driver reported no injuries.

The driver was issued two tickets: driving without due care and attention, and driving without reasonable consideration for others.

“Had this incident happened only moments earlier, the outcome could have been far more tragic, which is a terrifying thought,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Sauve of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.

Sauve reminded motorists that drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing emergency vehicles with flashing lights, including police, fire, EMS, tow trucks and highway workers. When possible, drivers should move into the passing lane to give responders more space.

“Abiding by these laws and guidelines may be the difference in whether or not a first responder makes it home to their family at the end of their shift,” he said.