DEPUTY-INVOLVED ACCIDENT REMINDING DRIVERS TO MOVE OVER

A Madison County Sheriff's deputy was involved in a 4-vehicle wreck while on his way to a shooting Thanksgiving night. That deputy was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. The sheriff's office is not releasing that deputy's name and cannot comment any further about the incident.

But it is a reminder to be alert and aware of law enforcement responding to an emergency.

A Madison County Sheriff's deputy and a pregnant woman, six months along, were sent to the hospital after they were involved in a four-vehicle wreck at Highway 53 and Research Park. The deputy was responding to a shooting.

According to a witness, the deputy had his lights on when he was hit by a speeding truck. Fortunately, no parties were seriously injured.

We went back to the scene where skid marks and traffic markers are still visible.

We asked several drivers, is this a dangerous intersection? Janice Sims says, "It has been at times. It's hard to get out sometimes whenever you're trying to get through and stuff." Charles Scales says, "To me, it's well marked and it's wide. You just have to be careful with your approach, but traffic is extremely heavy on Highway 53 and Research Park." Will Simmons says, "It used to be some time ago before they made it four lane... since then it runs pretty well."

Many blame driver error for accidents, not design of the road. So we've heard from drivers that are familiar with this intersection, but do they really know what to do when an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights flashing?

Scales says, "Sure. I listen for the siren and move over and try to make sure I clear the way." Simmons says, "I always slow down and pull over if I can get out of the way." He says it's not that confusing. Sims says, "You're supposed to slow down and try to get over either way if possible."

But she says she sees people break that law a lot. "They just get going, they don't slow, they don't try to move over, and get out of their way. I've seen it with ambulances and police officers." It's called the Move Over law, enacted in 2006, to protect first responders running code. And it's clear why you should follow it. Sims says, "Because you never know what's going on. It may be your child someday. It may be you that they need to get to and help quickly."

Huntsville Police are investigating this accident, but were unavailable for comment on Friday. Although details surrounding this incident are scarce at this time, it is a good reminder to be aware of emergency responders.

Be alert to your surroundings, slow down, and move over as soon as you have the opportunity.