A "crash truck" potentially saved the lives of a road crew working overnight.
At 9:05 p.m. Wednesday night, Knoxville Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate-40 West between Cedar Bluff and I-140.
Officers said a 2014 sprinter van collided with the rear of a 1995 freight liner truck that was functioning as a "crash truck." They said the truck was fully equipped with lights, signs and an arrow board to warn drivers to slow down and move over for work ahead.
Both drivers were taken to area hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening.
The driver of the sprinter van, who was from out of state, was cited for careless driving.
Police say the van was going around 55 to 60 mph and the truck moving at 4 to 5. The "crash truck" is specifically designed to absorb impact and protect the people up front.
Ahead of the "crash truck" was a crew of 8 to 10 men and 4 pieces of equipment. Thankfully, none of them were injured.
The company was from Kentucky and contracted by TDOT to repaint lines on area interstates.
TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi says the bright, lime green "Help Trucks" used in our region serve a similar purpose, by warning drivers to slow down.
Police said the crash is a reminder to pay attention to work vehicles near or on the roadway with their lights flashing and to slow down and move over.