GUILDERLAND, NY — New York State Police from Troop T responded to a two-vehicle collision at approximately 7:55 p.m., November 19 on the Thruway (I-90) between Exits 25 and 25A.
Troopers said Evan Robert Hope, 45, of Jefferson, was driving a 2011 Toyota SUV westbound when he struck a 2007 Kia sedan parked disabled on the right shoulder.
Hope told troopers he was checking his phone at the time of the collision.
Hope was transported to Ellis Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Kia was transported to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries.
Hope was charged with several vehicle and traffic law violations, including speeding and cell phone use.
Westbound traffic was diverted off Exit 25 for over an hour while recovery operations took place and all lanes were blocked.
According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, distracted driving is the leading contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes in New York State.
Penalties for distracted driving include fines and points on a driver’s license.
The State’s Move Over Law applies to all disabled or stopped vehicles along the roadway, not just emergency vehicles.
