Dash cam footage released of UHP sergeant's intentional collision with wrong-way driver
TOOELE, Utah (KUTV) — The recent heroic actions of a Utah first responder were highlighted in a press conference held Thursday on the dangers of wrong-way driving.
Colonel Michael Rapich with the Utah Highway Patrol was on scene at the Police Officer Standards Training Building Thursday afternoon in Sandy to deliver a briefing on the incident in which UHP Sgt. Chad McCoy put himself in harms way to stop a wrong-way-driver.
According to Utah Highway officials, Sgt. McCoy intentionally collided with a wrong-way driver on I-80 in Tooele in an effort to prevent any harm to other motorists on the roadway.
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Col. Rapich called wrong-way driving incidents "representatives of one of the most challenging immediate threat to public safety that troopers face," and stressed how the agency is working to combat wrong-way driving issues.
Recent data obtained by UHP revealed that Utah has already seen 83 wrong-way driving incidents in 2023 alone, eight of which resulted in vehicle crashes. Out of those eight, four ended in fatalities.
Col. Rapich explained how there are only so many opportunities for troopers to intervene in timely situations like these. Fortunately, Sgt. McCoy was quick to step in ahead of Tuesday's incident.
McCoy, a seasoned first responder with 12 years behind his belt, was praised for his fast thinking and life-saving actions.
Officials identified three issues commonly associated with wrong-way driving that all motorists should be aware of. These include distracted driving, confused driving and impaired driving.
Col. Rapich went on to emphasize the importance of avoiding the driver's seat if you feel impacted by any of the three issues stated.
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