Hawkesbury Road, Springwood: Police car hit by P-plater in Land Rover
Two officers, who have been with NSW Police Force for more than 15 years, have been injured after a 4WD – driven by a P-plater – smashed into the back of their Highway Patrol car.
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Two police officers injured after a P-plater smashed into their Highway Patrol car in the Blue Mountains yesterday afternoon are expected to make a full recovery.
The male officers had pulled over a driver on Hawkesbury Rd at Springwood who was allegedly clocked almost 40km over the speed limit at about 5.30pm on Thursday when they were hit by a vehicle from behind.
Police say a Land Rover driven by a male P-plater crashed into the back of their fully-marked Highway Patrol Vehicle and then rolled.
The officers suffered bruising and suspected neck injuries and were taken to Nepean Hospital for treatment.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Superintendent Paul Glinn said one of the officers had been released while the other remained in hospital on Friday for further assessment.
“One officer with about 15 years service was released last night with soft tissue injuries. The second officer, with in excess of 15 years service, remained in hospital overnight and is undergoing further assessment today for non life-threatening injuries,” Superintendent Glinn said.
He said it was fortunate the crash wasn’t more serious.
“It really does reinforce the fact we are lucky our officers were in the car,” he said.
“If motorists see emergency service vehicles with emergency flashing lights, they need to slow down and move over and create a safe workspace.
“The good news was it wasn’t as bad or tragic as the circumstances in Victoria.
“They’ve got good medical treatment and have got a good prognosis for a full recovery.”
Police minister David Elliot urged drivers not to take risks on the road, with high speed offences up 30 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a reduction in road traffic.
What we saw in Victoria last week with the death of those four officers and indeed overnight in the Blue Mountains, was a tragic reminder of how dangerous their profession is,” Mr Elliott said.
“Don’t let us down. Don’t create a dangerous environment for the NSW Police.
“Overnight two of them nearly placed their lives at risk with the accident in the Blue Mountains and we just can’t afford to see that risk taken again.”
The Highway Patrol car and Land Rover were significantly damaged and were towed from the scene.
The driver of the first vehicle allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test and was taken to Springwood Police Station for further testing.
The driver of the Land Rover was not injured.
Police are investigating. Not charges have been laid.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.