A driver who had cruise control set at 70 miles per hour crashed into an Indiana state trooper’s squad car on an icy Interstate 94, authorities said.
The crash occurred Saturday morning along the interstate in Chesterton, the Indiana State Police – Lowell District said in a Facebook post.
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“No, we aren’t making this up,” ISP said in the post, in part. “Not sure what else can be said when preventable crashes like this not only put our troopers in harm’s way, but other motorists.”
The trooper was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the driver was issued multiple tickets, authorities said. State police reminded drivers that the speed limit is for perfect conditions, and when snow is on the ground, they should slow down.
Less than an hour later, a different driver struck a second trooper’s squad car along the interstate near Ripley Street in Lake Station.
State police issued another plea, saying “our troopers are becoming frustrated with these crashes as they are preventable!”
The trooper involved in the latest crash was also expected to be okay.
“Folks, we are literally speechless and very frustrated,” ISP emphasized. “For the second time today and within an hour of our last trooper getting hit, IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN!”
Authorities noted the crashes have consistently occurred in the eastbound lanes, suggesting drivers may have come from Illinois, where there isn’t any snow falling and speeds are higher.
