LOUISIANA TROOPER HIT BY VEHICLE WHILE ON TRAFFIC STOP

A videotape released Tuesday highlights the importance of a new state law, something to keep in mind as you travel the roadways this holiday weekend. The video shows a Louisiana state trooper from Baton Rouge as he was hit by a passing truck while on a traffic stop. Against all odds, the trooper survived.

If you choose to watch, we must warn you the video is extremely disturbing. However, we hope, as troopers do, it's something you'll keep in mind as you travel this long holiday weekend.

One look at the crash that happened, and most would agree it's nothing short of a miracle that Trooper Robert Harrison survived. It happened at 3:00 a.m. on April 4th of last year. Trooper Harrison had just made a traffic stop along I-10 near Siegen Lane in Baton Rouge.

The impact of the crash broke both of the trooper's legs. Despite his massive injuries, he was still able to call headquarters for help. The video will no doubt be added to the many others used in training officers about the dangers of roadside traffic stops.

In Ohio, a passing car slammed into a state police patrol car. One trooper was still sitting inside. Amazingly, both survived. In South Carolina, the mirror of a passing truck clipped a state trooper in his back. State police say these are perfect examples of the need to use extra care when approaching a traffic stop.

"Put yourself in their situation, in that trooper or officer's situation. Would you want traffic coming within 3 foot of you at 70 mph?" One reason Trooper Harrison agreed to let us show the videotape of his brush with death was in hopes as you head out this holiday weekend, you keep a close eye out for his fellow men and women in blue who face dangers like this every time they hit the road.

The man who hit Trooper Harrison is 20-year-old Andrew Belock of Mandeville. Belock pleaded guilty last week to causing the wreck and possession with intent to distribute drugs. He was sentenced to five years of supervised probation. Prosecutors say the trooper agreed to the sentence so Belock could remain employed and help pay off a civil judgment against him. We're happy to report that while he still has a long recovery ahead, Trooper Harrison is now back at work at Troop A in Baton Rouge.