State Police urge drivers to slow down and move over as three Troopers hit in less than a week in southern New England

State Police today released information regarding 3 separate incidents where Troopers were struck on area roadways in less than a week.

On Monday, November 14th, at 11:45 p.m., Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 95 North in Providence. As a result of the accident, the high-speed lane was closed and a cruiser with a Trooper inside was struck. The Trooper was transported to RI Hospital for minor injuries and released. The operator of the other vehicle was summonsed for violation of the move over law.

On Wednesday, November 16th, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Troopers were investigating a motor vehicle crash on Route 195 East in East Providence. Troopers were with the involved vehicle in the right breakdown lane, standing at the passenger side window. An approaching vehicle veered right, entered the breakdown lane, struck the vehicle and the vehicle struck a Trooper. The Trooper was transported to RI Hospital for moderate injuries. The operator of the vehicle that was in the breakdown lane was also transported. The driver of the vehicle that struck them was cited for a laned roadway violation.

On Thursday, November 17th, at approximately 1:25 a.m., Troopers conducted a motor vehicle stop in Providence. During the stop, the operator of the Cadillac put his vehicle into reverse and purposely backed into the front of the cruiser twice, before fleeing the scene. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped on Magnolia Street and the operator, 38-year-old David Matera, of Foster, was charged with: Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor/Drugs – First Offense – B.A.C. Unknown, Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test, Reckless Driving, Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer- High Speed Pursuit- 2nd Offense, Duty to Stop in Accident Resulting in Damage to Vehicle, Driving with Suspended License 3rd or Subsequent Offense, and Malicious Damage. He was held overnight pending AM arraignment. No injuries were reported.

“We are incredibly fortunate that none of these incidents resulted in a life-threatening injury, but we need drivers to be more alert for the safety of our Troopers and the motoring public,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “Drivers need to slow down and move over whenever they see emergency lights to protect first responders and construction crews. If you do get pulled over, please keep the safety of our Troopers in mind and don’t endanger their lives with your poor decisions.”