PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (AP) -- An officer was killed when a pickup truck slammed into the rear of his parked police cruiser and it burst into flames.
The cruiser model, a Ford Crown Victoria, has come under increasing criticism over its safety. Since 1983, at least 18 police officers have died in similar accidents.
Officer Christopher Sobieski, 39, died early Sunday as he parked on the shoulder of a highway watching for speeders and drunken drivers. Investigators are awaiting results of a blood-alcohol test on the truck driver, who escaped injury.
The Crown Victoria is the most popular police car on the road but has been criticized for its alleged vulnerability to deadly fuel tank explosions.
Critics say the vehicle's design makes the fuel tank wrap around the rear axle in a crash, making it prone to puncture.
Ford has previously said dozens of Crown Victoria patrol cars are struck from behind each year with no resulting fire.
Still, in response to the string of fiery crashes, the company recommended fitting patrol cars with gas tank shields. Ford said those steps are effective in preventing fuel-tank punctures on a car that it says meets government safety standards.
The automaker has been distributing the shields for free to police departments since 2002. Police Chief Frank Steward said he wasn't aware of the free repair kits.
Prairie View is about 50 miles northwest of Houston.
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