The dangers faced by law enforcement officers during traffic duties were highlighted recently by a tragic incident where a traffic police officer was fatally struck by a speeding truck. This incident underscores the risks these officers face daily while working to ensure public safety on roadways.
According to reports from May 15, 2025, a head constable named Mithun Vasant Dhende (41), was killed on the Pune-Mumbai Highway. Dhende was on duty at a blockade set up by the Pune Rural Police at Vadgaon Phata when a reckless truck driver ran him over. The driver, Rehan Isab Khan (24), and his accomplice, Umar Din Mohammed (19), were later apprehended and charged with murder. Investigations revealed that Khan was speeding and ignored warnings from other drivers before reaching the traffic block. When signaled to stop, he briefly turned off the ignition but then suddenly accelerated, hitting Dhende at high speed before fleeing.
This tragic event is not an isolated case. Law enforcement officers face significant risks from motor vehicle-related incidents, which, according to the CDC, are a leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the United States. From 2014 to 2023, 496 officers died due to motor vehicle-related incidents, accounting for 29% of all line-of-duty deaths, excluding those related to COVID-19. These incidents include both crashes and officers being struck by moving vehicles while on foot.
Several factors contribute to these risks. Officers often work in high-traffic areas, dealing with speeding vehicles and distracted drivers. They are also exposed to behavior-related hazards such as drivers not wearing seatbelts, speeding through intersections, and using in-car electronics while driving. Stress and tunnel vision can further impair an officer's awareness and reaction time.
A study by MPH Industries highlighted the dangers officers face from passing vehicles during traffic stops. The study revealed that a significant percentage of officers express concern about being struck by a vehicle while performing their duties. The study also found that serious injuries begin when the collision speed is greater than 20 mph, and at typical highway speeds, the fatality rate is nearly 100% for a direct collision with a vehicle.
In response to these dangers, various measures can be taken to improve officer safety. Law enforcement agencies can implement stricter policies regarding high-speed pursuits and the use of precision immobilization techniques (PIT). Training programs for law enforcement on PIT maneuvers vary widely, with some agencies prohibiting them at higher speeds.
Technology can also play a crucial role in enhancing officer safety. New technologies can alert officers to dangerous vehicles, giving them time to react and avoid being struck. Additionally, command staff should recognize the dangers faced by patrol officers and implement warning devices and other safety measures.
The death of Head Constable Dhende serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily. By addressing the factors that contribute to these risks and implementing comprehensive safety measures, it is possible to reduce the number of line-of-duty deaths and ensure that officers can safely protect and serve their communities.
