Missoula, MT – A recent close call near Pompeys Pillar, Montana, has put the spotlight on the dangers faced by roadside workers and the critical importance of safe driving, especially during unpredictable spring weather.
Motor Carrier Services Patrol Officer Justin Moran had pulled over on Interstate 94 last week to assist a woman whose vehicle had slid off the highway. As he approached her car, another vehicle, traveling at high speed, lost control and slid past Moran’s position, coming within 15 feet of him before crashing into a nearby sign.
The entire incident was captured by Moran’s dashboard camera, drawing attention to the potential risks that patrol officers face on a daily basis. Despite the terrifying close call, Moran maintained a calm demeanor, referring to the incident as “just a day on the job.” With nearly nine years of experience in the field, he is accustomed to the fast-moving traffic on the interstate, but that doesn’t mean the close encounter didn’t leave an impression.
“When vehicles pass you at 80 miles per hour just a few feet away, you kind of get numb to it,” Moran explained. “Not everyone moves over for you.” Yet, the near-miss served as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong, even for seasoned professionals like Moran.
The close call is not an isolated incident. Eric Belford, the Motor Carrier Services Administrator, noted that such situations are not uncommon, with several officers encountering near-misses each year. In fact, over the past year and a half, there have been multiple incidents where officers were struck while conducting traffic stops.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Belford shared one memorable close call when a U-Haul vehicle’s mirror narrowly grazed his shoulder during a routine patrol near Missoula. While Belford can laugh about the incident now, he acknowledged the dangers that officers face and how quickly an unfortunate situation can turn tragic.
“This job has a lot of potential risks,” Belford said. “We have to be aware of so many factors out there.”
As Montana enters its spring season, the weather can change unexpectedly, creating hazardous conditions on the roads. Both Moran and Belford urge motorists to exercise caution and take extra time when driving, particularly when approaching emergency vehicles or workers on the roadside. They emphasized that drivers should slow down and move over when they see lights flashing on the road.
“Always remember to slow down,” Moran advised. “If you do see lights on the road, move over.”
The plea for safety is a simple but crucial message: road conditions can be unpredictable, and lives can be at risk in an instant. As drivers continue to navigate the busy interstates and highways of Montana, it’s essential that they heed the advice of law enforcement and other roadside workers to prevent tragedies like the one Moran narrowly avoided.
The incident near Pompeys Pillar serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of roadside work and the importance of maintaining vigilance behind the wheel.
