Route 208 Crash: Glen Rock Police Officer Hospitalized After Patrol Car Smashed
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, A routine traffic stop on one of Bergen County’s busiest highways turned into a dangerous roadside emergency last Thursday. A Glen Rock police officer was injured on Route 208 after a passing motorist slammed into the back of a parked patrol vehicle, highlighting the ongoing dangers first responders face on New Jersey roads.
The incident has sparked a renewed warning from local authorities regarding the state’s “Move Over” Law, which is designed to prevent exactly this type of high-speed collision.
The Incident: A Split-Second Collision on Route 208
Just before 2:00 PM, a Glen Rock officer conducted a traffic stop on the shoulder of Route 208. According to the Glen Rock Police Department, the officer had his emergency lights flashing and was positioned on the shoulder of the highway.
In a terrifying sequence of events:
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The officer had just re-entered his patrol vehicle when a passing car struck the rear of the cruiser.
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The impact caused “disabling damage” to the civilian vehicle, requiring it to be towed from the scene.
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The officer was transported to Valley Hospital in Paramus, where he was treated for minor injuries and later released.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the officer has been issued a summons.
Chief Ackermann Issues Urgent Safety Warning
Glen Rock Police Chief Dean Ackermann noted that while the officer was not seriously injured, the situation could have been much worse.
“This incident underscores the critical importance of New Jersey’s ‘Keep Left’ law,” Chief Ackermann stated. “Motorists are required to move over to the left lane when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with activated lights, or to slow down if unable to safely change lanes.”
Do You Know the NJ “Move Over” Law?
New Jersey’s Move Over Law isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a life-saving requirement. To keep our officers, EMTs, and tow truck drivers safe, follow these steps:
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Move Over: If you see flashing lights (Red, Blue, or Amber) and it is safe to do so, move into the left lane to create a buffer.
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Slow Down: If traffic or road conditions make a lane change impossible, you must significantly reduce your speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop if necessary.
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