Distracted driver slams into state police cruiser on Southern State Parkway, trooper injured

A distracted driver struck a marked State Police cruiser on the Southern State Parkway Sunday, injuring a trooper who was already managing a crash scene, police said.

The trooper had responded to the eastbound parkway near Exit 14 about 5:43 a.m. and positioned the cruiser to control traffic.

Four minutes later, a gray Jeep Wrangler plowed into the rear of the state police car, pushing it from the right lane into the center and left lanes. The Jeep came to rest on the right shoulder.

Both the trooper and the Jeep’s operator were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities did not release further information about either individual.

The State Police said distracted driving remains a leading cause of roadway collisions and poses a particular danger to first responders working on active roadways.

_{Top: provided by NY State Police}