Drivers rarely abide by Move Over law, troopers say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A trooper was hurt and his cruiser was damaged when a car slammed into him during a traffic stop Thursday, officials said.

Photos from North Carolina Highway Patrol show a black sedan crushed.

The driver slammed into a trooper's car on the side of Interstate 40 in Newton as the trooper sat inside working a call, officials said. He had minor injuries.

Troopers said that it's difficult to catch drivers who don't move over, but attorneys said that drivers who do get caught almost always have to pay the $250 fine and court costs.

"The district attorney’s offices around the state that I've seen, have taken these cases very seriously because of the serious problem that it has presented," attorney Joseph Ledford said.

Troopers said they may consider doing more operations focusing on the Move Over law to remind drivers and protect them, other first responders and road crews.

A Utah trooper on the shoulder of the road was hit by a vehicle and surprisingly survived with only a few broken bones.

"It's just a stark reminder that you do have to watch out for traffic," N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Ray Pierce said.

Troopers said that drivers are violating the Move Over law more than ever, but they usually can't do much about it because they're already on a call.

"It's rare that you have another officer right there behind you to enforce that law," Pierce said.

Troopers said that they've been writing fewer tickets under the Move Over law.

Traffic court attorney Joseph Ledford said that he doesn't see many cases, either, but when he does, he said drivers almost always have to pay the fine and court costs.

Crashes caused by careless drivers hitting troopers on a call has become such a problem, they're looking at other solutions than just writing tickets.

"We put relfectorized tape all over the back bumpers, all over the side," Pierce said.

Ledford said that the cause of the crashes usually comes down to one thing.

"It really comes down to people just not paying attention and (not) being aware of the circumstances around them," Ledford said.

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