OHP Trooper Jumps Over Median, Avoids Being Hit By SUV

A trooper is back patrolling after an SUV plowed into his car Tuesday night on the Muskogee Turnpike.

Trooper Adam Wood said after helping a driver with a flat tire get through a construction zone he spotted debris on the highway and went to clear it.

That’s when he saw and SUV coming at him, and training kicked in. Wood said he remembers jumping over the median to save his life, just before his patrol car was smashed.

"I couldn't believe that with the lights going and even one step further than lights an arrow board," he said. “All I can do at that point is jump over the concrete wall.”

The rear end crash sent his car 200 feet down the Muskogee Turnpike Tuesday night.

9/14/2016 Related Story: OHP Vehicle Struck By SUV On Muskogee Turnpike

The driver of the SUV told troopers she started to dose off right before crashing into Trooper Wood's car. She's going to be okay.

"I'm not angry at the lady at all. She had minor injuries, didn't go to the hospital, so I feel very blessed that nobody got seriously hurt,” Wood said. “But two people could've died pretty easily just for not paying attention."

The crash is a reminder of the dangers troopers and first responders face on Oklahoma roads.

"You never think someone is actually going to hit your car. I mean, we all drive, we all see emergency vehicles, we all know what to do. But in our mind we have to always try to have an exit strategy - if this happens, I need to be doing this," Wood said.

“Always keep your head on a swivel,” he said. “That's what you train to do, and, fortunately, thank the good Lord above I was able to see this one coming and get out of the way."

Troopers cited the woman for inattentive driving and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.