Sask. RCMP officer nearly struck by semi during traffic stop

The Saskatchewan RCMP says an officer narrowly escaped injury after a semi struck their vehicle during a traffic stop on Highway 1.

An RCMP officer in southern Saskatchewan walked away unharmed after a semi-truck struck his vehicle during a traffic stop.

On the afternoon of Feb. 28, the officer pulled over a driver on Highway 1 near Grand Coulee, located west of Regina.

As the officer returned to his vehicle, a semi traveling at highway speed failed to move over and sideswiped the police cruiser. The officer jumped into the ditch just in time to avoid the crash.

RCMP confirmed the police cruiser’s emergency lights were activated and it was properly parked at the side of the highway at the time of the incident.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

The driver of the semi did stop and remained at the scene. No one was injured, but the driver received two tickets—for driving without due care and for not giving reasonable consideration to others.

“Had this incident happened only moments earlier, the outcome could have been far more tragic, which is a terrifying thought,” S/Sgt. Jason Sauve of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services said in a news release, recounting the incident. “It is crucial that drivers remember to slow down to 60 km/hr when passing emergency vehicles that have their lights activated, such as EMS, fire, and police vehicles, as well as tow trucks, and highway workers.”

RCMP are reminding drivers to always move into the passing lane, if possible, when travelling past emergency vehicles.

“Abiding by these laws and guidelines may be the difference in whether or not a first responder makes it home to their family at the end of their shift,” Sauve added.