Parked WSP vehicle damaged by tractor trailer

HATTON — A semi-tractor trailer damaged a Washington State Patrol vehicle parked at an on-ramp at the junction of U.S. 395 and S.R. 26 on April 22, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Trooper Kalib Hanson had pulled over to investigate a collision when a tractor trailer failed to make a wide enough turn and clipped the rear of Hanson’s vehicle, according to WSP spokesperson Sgt. Greg Riddell.

No one was injured in the incident, Riddell said, and Hanson was not in his car at the time. The accident happened around 9 a.m.

“There were scuffs to the bumper section of the patrol car,” Riddell said. “Trooper Hanson was safely away from the vehicle.”

Riddell said it appears the truck driver, who gave a statement at the scene, was inexperienced and did not use his mirrors properly when estimating the turn.

Riddell also said the accident highlights the dangers state troopers face as they patrol the state’s roads and highways, noting the accident was similar to sitting at a desk with traffic whizzing by at 60 miles per hour.

“It’s what troopers deal with on a daily basis,” he said.