*UPDATE* Distracted Driver Injures Trooper on Southern State Parkway
- The NY Pulse
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
Press Release
UPDATE:
The operator of the Jeep was traveling at an unsafe speed and failed to move over for a marked police vehicle. During the investigation, the operator stated they were distracted while adjusting her boot and socks inside the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Both the trooper and the operator sustained non-life-threatening injuries and have been since released from the hospital.
The operator of the Jeep has been identified as Monica Diaz Cabera, age 26.
On April 12, 2026, at approximately 5:43 am, the New York State Police responded to the eastbound Southern State Parkway just west of exit 14 for a motor vehicle collision.
Troopers positioned their marked troop cars to safely assist with traffic control due to the hazardous location.
At approximately 5:47 am, a gray Jeep Wrangler struck the rear of the marked State Police troop car. The impact caused the troop car to be pushed a significant distance from the right lane to the center and left lanes. The Jeep left the roadway and came to rest on the right shoulder.
The Trooper and operator of the Jeep were transported to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The New York State Police remind motorists that distracted driving remains to be a top cause of roadway collisions and creates serious danger to first responders and the public. Drivers must remain alert, avoid distractions, and stay focused on the roadway at all times.
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