Police officers are involved in thousands of crashes every year during pursuits. At times, the victims are bystanders or motorists not involved in the crime scene. Recently, an Atlanta police officer hit a car responding to a 911 call.
A report in the Atlanta Journal Constitution stated the officer’s emergency lights were on at the time of the impact, according to the Georgia State Patrol. However, it was not clear if the officer’s sirens were activated.
The incident happened in February at about 11:35 p.m. Officer Dejoira Phillips, 27, from Atlanta, was driving her patrol car west down Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard when she got to a red light at the Peeples Street intersection, GSP said in an email.
Atlanta police officer was in an accident – responding to 911 call
The GSP said in a statement a building that obscures the view of westbound traffic on Ralph David Abernathy at the southeastern corner of the intersection. The structure also obscures traffic moving northbound on Peeples Street.
The GSP stated due to the obstruction, the officer failed to yield at the intersection and crashed into a Kia.
A light pole at the intersection was struck during the crash. Both cars were totaled, and their drivers were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. No update was given on their conditions.
The AJC reported the wreck took place less than 24 hours after an Atlanta police officer struck a power pole while responding to a stolen vehicle call. In that incident, a police officer lost traction on the curve on Joseph E. Boone near Westchester Boulevard and ended up going down an embankment.
Police officers face dangers on the roads of Georgia and elsewhere. There is also concern about the impact of high-speed car chases on other drivers and pedestrians. Often these may be triggered by a minor traffic stop.
If you have been hurt in a Georgia car wreck, please call our auto accident injury lawyers in Newnan at (404) 913-1529.