At 10:16 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, a North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP)Trooper was completing a crash investigation in the westbound lane of I94 near mile marker 352, between the Red River Bridge and University Drive in Fargo. The NDHP Trooper’s vehicle was parked on the westbound shoulder when a 2018 Honda Civic, driven by Tazitabong Nkengateh, 40, Fargo, lost control while traveling west and side-swiped the patrol vehicle. Nkengateh and the trooper were uninjured in the crash. Moments later, another crash occurred between two vehicles at the same location. In addition, another three vehicles spun out in the same location, nearly striking the trooper and other motorists.
The NDHP strongly encourages drivers to sufficiently slow down prior to reaching an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights. The two crashes, as well as the three additional vehicles that spun out, occurred because the drivers did not slow down soon enough and were forced to brake hard as they approached the emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights. Hard brake applications used on snow covered and icy roads is dangerous and can result in crashes and serious injuries. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and drive according to conditions, always wear seat belts and drive distraction free.
