DPS Warns Against Distracted Driving After State Trooper Hit in Construction Zone

JONES COUNTY — A Mississippi Highway Patrol trooper suffered minor injuries after his patrol vehicle was rear-ended while he was parked in a construction zone with emergency lights activated, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said.

In a post Friday, the department said the trooper was stationary in a work zone in Jones County with blue lights on to give motorists advance warning to slow down and pay attention when an inattentive driver failed to slow down or move over and struck the patrol vehicle.

DPS said it was the second rear-end collision involving a state trooper in recent weeks.

“Fortunately, he suffered only minor injuries, but it could have been much worse,” the department said.

Officials urged drivers to slow down, pay attention and move over for first responders.