A police officer in Nebraska had a heart-stoppingly close call this week, narrowly escaping injury when an out-of-control vehicle skidded dangerously close during a routine assistance call on a snowy interstate.
Dashcam Footage Captures Terrifying Moment
The Nebraska State Patrol released dramatic dashcam footage on Monday, 2 February 2026, showing the incident unfold on the hard shoulder of Interstate 80, just west of Lincoln. The video clearly depicts the officer actively helping stranded passengers when the emergency occurred.
Sequence of Events on Interstate 80
As light snow fell, creating hazardous driving conditions, the officer was positioned between his parked police cruiser and a civilian's car. Suddenly, an approaching vehicle lost control, skidding directly towards the scene. In a split-second reaction, the officer swiftly moved to safety as the out-of-control car slid between the two stationary vehicles, ultimately colliding with the civilian's car.
Miraculously, no injuries were reported from this alarming near-miss, though the visual evidence serves as a stark reminder of winter driving dangers.
Official Safety Warning Issued
Following the incident, Nebraska State Patrol issued a strong caution to all motorists. The force emphasised that even light snowfall requires extra vigilance and reduced speeds to prevent similar dangerous situations.
Key safety recommendations include:
- Significantly reducing speed during any winter precipitation
- Maintaining greater following distances between vehicles
- Exercising extreme caution when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights
- Being prepared for sudden loss of traction on snow-covered roads
This incident underscores how quickly routine traffic stops or assistance calls can turn perilous during winter weather, highlighting the constant risks faced by law enforcement officers performing their duties roadside.
