Elderly Litchfield Woman Cited After Crash Involving NH State Police Trooper Cruiser

LONDONDERRY, NH — A New Hampshire State Police trooper was fortunate to be outside his cruiser on a traffic stop when a car slammed into his cruiser on Interstate 93 on Monday.

NH State Trooper Mark Lingerman, who is assigned to the Troop B barracks, conducted a traffic stop on I-93 southbound north of Exit 4 at 5:20 p.m. Trooper Lingerman’s cruiser was in the right breakdown lane with its emergency lights activated.

While speaking to the stopped motorist, the driver of a Subaru Forester, identified as Margret Lambert, 82, of Litchfield, failed to move over and struck Lingerman’s cruiser. The car continued into the guardrail and off the side of the road.

The trooper on the traffic stop called in, stating he needed Londonderry Fire and Rescue to respond because the car that hit him was smoking and catching fire. Other troopers arrived and used fire extinguishers to put the fire out quickly.

Lambert, the previously stopped motorist, and Lingerman were not hurt, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Lambert was cited for violating RSA 265:37-a, commonly known as the state’s ‘Move Over Law.’

NH State Police remind drivers to MOVE OVER-RSA 265:37-a, commonly known as the state’s "Move Over" law, requires drivers to slow down, move out of lanes that are partially or wholly blocked, and give plenty of space to emergency response vehicles displaying red, blue, or amber lights.

Traffic was backed up for about two miles in the southbound lane while the accident was investigated and the vehicles were towed.

Londonderry Fire responded to the scene, and NH DOT assisted with traffic.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news