In a dramatic incident caught on dashcam, a police officer narrowly escaped being hit by a careening BMW. The incident occurred on County Parkway, South Africa, highlighting the dangers officers face on the roadside.

At approximately 2:45 PM, Officer John Smith was conducting a routine traffic stop on County Parkway when a BMW sedan lost control and veered towards the parked cruiser and the officer. The dashcam footage shows the BMW swerving erratically before smashing into Officer Smith’s patrol car, narrowly missing the officer himself by mere inches.

Officer Smith immediately reported the incident via his radio: “911. Bravo serving rescue serving units, accident right here at County Parkway. My cruiser was hit. Driver was hit. I’m trying to check on injuries.” His quick thinking and calm demeanor were evident as he rushed to check on the BMW’s driver and assess the situation.

The driver of the BMW, later identified as 32-year-old Mark Jacobs, sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene by emergency medical services. Officer Smith, remarkably, escaped without any physical injuries, though he was visibly shaken by the close call.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have lost control due to a mechanical failure or distraction. Witnesses at the scene noted that the BMW was traveling at high speed before veering off course.

This incident underscores the inherent dangers that police officers face while conducting traffic stops and other roadside duties. The police department has reiterated the importance of situational awareness and the use of safety protocols to protect officers from similar incidents in the future.

The dashcam footage, which has since gone viral, has sparked a conversation about road safety and the risks law enforcement officers encounter daily. Community members have expressed their relief that Officer Smith was not harmed and have called for increased measures to protect officers on duty.

While Officer John Smith’s narrow escape serves as a stark reminder of the perils of police work, it also highlights the bravery and quick thinking that officers exhibit in the line of duty. The ongoing investigation will hopefully shed more light on the incident and lead to measures that can prevent such near-misses in the future.