Florida: Deputies remind drivers to "Move Over" after trooper hit by car
Traffic crashes and fatalities have increased significantly in Martin County and deputies are taking this opportunity to remind drivers of an important state law. Deputies say crashes have gone up by 40% this year here in the county.
They're hoping a shocking video will be the reminder drivers need to move over for law enforcement. The state law requires a driver to safely move over one lane for all emergency responders as well as service vehicles or wreckers on the side of the road.
If you can't move over, you're supposed to slow down to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Florida Highway Patrolman Mac Mickens made a traffic stop on the side of the turnpike in October of last year.
He was walking back to his patrol car when he was hit by a car which didn't move over.
Mickens was violently thrown to the ground in front of his squad car.
His pelvis was shattered but he was alive.
The people in the vehicle he had stopped were also seriously hurt.
Lt. Steve Mochen, with the Martin county Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit, has known Trooper Mickens for years.
"I was amazed. I watched it and you see him get up and walk back to his patrol car and lean on the hood and I'm thinking 'Holy Mackerel',"{>} 57.44
Lt. Mochen says what happened to Trooper Mickens is a perfect example of why the Move Over law is so important.
"A lot of people don't know about the Move Over Law and we try to educate them about it," Lt. Mochen said, "It's dangerous and it puts our officers in harm's way big time."
Deputies say the penalty for breaking this law is a $156 ticket and 3 points on your license.
Authorities say Trooper Mickens is recovering well and is expected to be back to duty in the near future.
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