Dashcam footage has surfaced online, showing the frightening moment when a U-Haul trailer slammed into two firefighters after responding to a car crash on an Oklahoma road.
Warning—Viewer Discretion Advised—Graphic Video
The video released Sept. 3 by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on Facebook, show two firefighters standing by the side of a wet road, with their emergency vehicles parked nearby. The two had no time to flee by the time the jackknifed SUV, towing a U-Haul trailer, spun towards them.
Dramatic Dash Cam Video: This is a graphic reminder to slow down when streets are slick. This is from a wreck we worked several weeks ago. The 2 men hit are Stringtown firefighters and this video came from the Stringtown police chief. Both men are ok – no broken bones. pic.twitter.com/ieX7mzqpc6
— OK Highway Patrol/DPS (@OHPDPS) September 3, 2019
The spinning SUV struck one of the parked cars, causing the cargo trailer to pound right into the first responders with whipping force. The two were knocked to the ground and sent several feet.
Although the situation looked bad for the firefighters, they escaped without serious injury.
“This video is difficult to watch but we can tell you both men hit will be ok,” read the Facebook post. “Miraculously they were left with only bruises—no broken bones.”
Both men struck by the out-of-control U-Haul trailer were Stringtown firefighters, according to the post. The video was recorded a few weeks ago by the dash camera of the Stringtown police chief who was one of the first responders at the crash site.
At this time, the 10-second clip had been viewed nearly 200,000 times with more than 4,600 shares on Facebook.
The highway patrol officers said the video was posted as a reminder to drivers take caution when it’s raining.
“This is a graphic reminder to SLOW DOWN—especially when roads are slick and you see flashing lights.”
Reminder – heavy rain & wet roads cause driving hazards! Many accidents reported on area roads tonight. Use extra caution, obey all road closures & never drive into flooded roads! pic.twitter.com/ZeZoRjjrx7
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 6, 2019
According to Federal Highway Administration, most weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and during rainfall. Rain causes wet pavement, which reduces vehicle traction and maneuverability. Heavy rain also reduces visibility distance. These weather related impacts prompt drivers to travel at lower speeds causing reduced roadway capacity and increased delays.
Each year, nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement. Each year, over 3,400 people are killed and over 357,300 people are injured in crashes during rainfall.
