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Vehicle Hits Parked Patrol Car in Kaufman County

The collision narrowly missed two first responders and led officials to renew Move Over or Slow Down warnings that carry sizable fines and possible jail time.

Overview

  • A passing vehicle struck a parked Kaufman County patrol cruiser while a deputy and a Forney police officer were conducting a roadside investigation, and no injuries were immediately reported.
  • Law enforcement used the close call to tell motorists to move over or slow down when approaching vehicles with flashing overhead lights to protect roadside workers.
  • Under Texas law drivers must change lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles when safe or reduce speed to 20 mph below the limit or to 5 mph on roads posted 25 mph or less.
  • The Move Over or Slow Down law was expanded on Sept. 1, 2025 to cover certain stationary vehicles such as animal control and parking enforcement units.
  • Authorities noted fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense and up to $4,000 plus possible jail time if a violation causes serious bodily injury and said distracted or speeding drivers greatly increase roadside danger.