If you’ve ever driven down a freeway or highway in Nevada, chances are you’ve noticed a police car weaving back and forth across every lane. You may find yourself wondering why they’re driving in such an odd manner. This “zigzag” maneuver is known as a “traffic break” or “rolling roadblock” and it is a strategic technique used by law enforcement officials to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road for a variety of reasons.

That said, if you notice a police car or any other emergency response vehicle driving in a zigzag manner on the freeway, it is imperative that you continue your commute with extreme caution.

Why do police cars drive zigzag on the freeway

In this article, our personal injury attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada, Brian Boyer, will go into detail about the various reasons why you could see a police car zigzagging on the freeway.

Table of Contents

Preventing Collision with a Road Hazard

One of the most common reasons why police cars drive in the zigzag pattern on the freeway or surface streets is to prevent motorists from colliding with a hazard or roadway obstruction. This could be from lost truckload debris, a broken down vehicle, or preserving the scene of an accident. By engaging in a rolling roadblock, emergency responders can create driver awareness of a potential hazard and slow down and manage the flow of traffic more efficiently. This also lessens the risk of additional accidents from happening and allows for emergency responders to reach the scene of the hazard/accident more effectively.

Assisting Construction Workers, Maintenance Workers, Tow Truck Drivers

Another common reason for the zigzag driving in Las Vegas is to protect and assist road maintenance, construction workers, and tow truck drivers. When a maintenance worker or tow truck driver is required to work on the side of the freeway near moving traffic, police officers can employ the zigzag driving technique to clear traffic congestion and to facilitate the flow of traffic around the workers. This technique allows them to create safer freeway merging scenarios which ultimately improves the overall flow of traffic while simultaneously preventing any potential accidents from occurring.

Nevada Rolling Roadblock Cop Drives Zigzag on the freeway

Improving the Flow of Traffic

As Southern Nevada is notorious for its perpetual construction zones and roadwork, traffic congestion has become a major issue on Las Vegas freeways. This constant roadwork can increase accident risks among daily commuters. Therefore, police officers may use the zigzag technique in an attempt to clear congestion and manage the flow of traffic more efficiently. By intermittently slowing traffic, they can force gaps that allow for motorists to merge lanes in a safer manner.

Emergency Response to an Accident

In certain situations, police may need a quick and effective way to clear the roads for emergency response vehicles, such as fire trucks, ambulances or additional police cars. By employing a rolling roadblock, officers can ensure a safe path for fellow responders to travel on without experiencing any potential delays. This maneuver is critical in life-threatening situations.

Special Event or VIP Escort

With F1, EDC, Concerts, Professional Sports and political events, Las Vegas is no stranger to special events and VIP visitors. When these events require roadblocks or temporary changes in the flow of traffic, police cars will engage in the zigzag driving pattern to control and redirect traffic if necessary. Doing so ensures the safety of VIP visitors and smooth-flowing events with little to no traffic disruptions.

Training and Drills

Police officers undergo extensive training to handle various traffic situations, including the use of rolling roadblocks. Occasionally, you might observe this maneuver being performed as part of a training exercise or drill. These practice sessions help officers refine their skills and ensure they are prepared to execute the technique safely and effectively when needed.

What if a Police Officer Hits Me While Zigzagging?

The sight of a police car zigzagging on the freeway may seem unsettling at first, but if you do see this it is important to remember that they are attempting to protect you and other motorists from a potential hazard. You should exercise extra caution while operating your vehicle in this situation. Although police officers perform this action to protect drivers, they are not exempt from accidents.

Driver error on the police officers part while engaging in a rolling roadblock can result in sideswipe accidents, rear-end accidents, rollover accidents and wrongful death. If the police officer fails to stop after hitting you, make sure you pull over to a safe place and contact 911 immediately to inform them of the accident.

Contact Brian Boyer Injury & Car Accident Lawyer for a Complimentary Case Review

Our auto accident attorney has over a decade of experience handling personal injury claims and he is prepared to fight aggressively to protect your rights.  Although police officers perform this action to protect drivers, they are not exempt from accidents.

In the event you or a loved one have fallen victim to an accident or injury due to a police officer zigzagging on the freeway, contact our law firm for a complimentary consultation.

Call Brian Boyer Injury & Car Accident Lawyer Las Vegas for a free case review at 702-514-1414 or contact us online.

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