March 30, 2009

Washington Police Chief Checks Blackberry, Hits Car

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TACOMA, WA – Federal Way Police Chief Brian Wilson caused a wreck as a result of checking his BlackBerry while driving, according to The News Tribune.

While stopped at a red light driving an unmarked police car, the 28-year veteran scrolled through newspaper headlines and e-mail on his smart phone.

Thinking traffic had begun to move, he took his foot off the brake -- and hit the car in front of him. The crash didn't hurt anyone or damage either vehicle.

Wilson flipped on his car's emergency lights, pulled over and talked with the other driver, who was understanding, he said. The chief radioed for help, and another officer came and filed the report.

After an internal review, City Manager Neal Beets found the collision was preventable and verbally reprimanded Wilson. Federal Way police officers are reprimanded or receive counseling for collisions resulting in less than $700 in damage.

Emergency vehicles are exempt from state laws that prohibit drivers from reading messages while behind the wheel.

But that's no excuse, Wilson said.

"Was this an essential communication for me to be on at the time? No," Wilson said.

Now he's using his mistake as an example to all drivers: Be careful.

"It shows how important it is to keep concentration while driving," he said. "Accidents can happen, even to me as the chief of police."

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