North Dakota – A North Dakota State Patrol trooper narrowly avoided serious injury late at night in Bismarck after his patrol vehicle was struck during a traffic stop involving an impaired driver.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the trooper had stopped a vehicle and was preparing to exit his squad car when another approaching vehicle failed to move over and struck the driver’s side door.
Officials said neither the trooper nor the driver of the striking vehicle was injured in the incident.
The driver was arrested at the scene by the Bismarck Police Department following the crash. Investigators said the driver recorded a BrAC of 0.201 and admitted to texting while driving at the time of the collision.
The driver faces multiple charges, including DUI, open container, failure to maintain lane, and no insurance. Authorities also noted the driver has a history of impaired driving offenses, including five DUI arrests within the past 10 years and a prior felony DUI conviction.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the crash is under investigation by the Bismarck Police Department.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol also highlighted that this marks the third time in the past three years that the same trooper’s patrol vehicle has been struck by an impaired driver while working in the Bismarck area.
Officials used the incident to remind motorists of North Dakota’s “move over or slow down” law, which requires drivers to reduce speed or change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside with hazard lights activated.
Authorities said impaired and distracted driving remain leading factors in serious and fatal crashes across the state, urging drivers to make safer choices behind the wheel.
The agency stressed that even brief moments of distraction or impairment can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations for law enforcement officers and other roadway users.
Officials continue to encourage the public to remain alert, avoid distracted driving behaviors, and follow traffic safety laws to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
