Driver Watching YouTube Videos Crashes Into Police Car In Bay Area: CHP

SAN MATEO, CA — A California Highway Patrol officer had a close call this month in San Mateo when a distracted driver slammed into a patrol vehicle at the scene of a crash. The driver told police he was watching YouTube videos and failed to notice the road flares or the flashing lights of the police car, California Highway Patrol officials said.

The collision, which was caught on the officer's body camera, took place on the night of March 3. Officers were busy clearing up a prior three-vehicle crash on northbound Highway 101.

To keep everyone safe, CHP had set up flares in the closed right lanes.

"A white pick up truck drove straight into the flare pattern and crashed into the rear of our patrol vehicle," the CHP announced in a written statement. "One of our officers was standing next to the car, but was alert enough to get out of the way. Officers on scene immediately checked on the driver, who was uninjured. The errant driver related he was changing YouTube videos on his phone and didn’t see the flares or the patrol vehicle lights."

In California, it is illegal to watch, hold, or touch a phone while driving. Phone use must be hands-free while driving in the Golden State.