CHP Officer

California Highway Patrol

10/18/1967

Special Service Award (Silver)

On October 18, 1967, CHP Officer Robert E. Rife was patrolling on State Route 138 directly behind a truck-tractor being towed by another vehicle. As the towing vehicle turned southbound onto Route 15, the truck-tractor broke loose and after crossing the median, continued southbound in the northbound lanes. Officer Rife immediately pursued the driverless vehicle which by then had attained a speed of approximately 30 mph, and using his red light and siren to warn oncoming traffic, drove ahead of the driverless vehicle, passed it in the highway divider and slowed the patrol car until contact was made between the two vehicles. Officer Rife said he braked to a stop with the trailer riding the rear of his unit and he heard the squealing of brakes as northbound motorists frantically changed lanes to avoid a head collision.