There are many times when drivers make mistakes on the roads. Those drivers can put others’ lives at risk, all because they violate the traffic laws. Take for example this story of a trooper who is just now returning to his home after 84 days; he was hit by a car while working on Interstate 485.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the trooper’s vehicle was pushed into the man when he was working on the Fourth of July. It’s not clear why the other driver hit the officer’s vehicle.
The trooper had been seriously injured, and he required a ventilator and other significant supports. Fortunately, he has been able to recover and walk out of the hospital several months after that horrible collision. He will go on to additional therapy so that he can continue to recover from home.
In North Carolina, there is a move-over law that is intended to protect law enforcement officers and other workers who have to stop on the highways. According to the law, motorists have to approach cautiously and slow down when an emergency vehicle is parked or stopped with its lights active on the roadway. Motorists are required to move into another lane on a multi-lane highway so that they give the emergency vehicles more space. If there is no room to do so, they must slow down to prevent a crash.
Failing to move over brings with a mandatory fine of $250. It can also mean causing crashes like this one, which could cost people their lives. Anyone who is struck by a driver who violates this law may be able to pursue a claim.