Remember Move Over Law Keeps Patrolmen Safe In North Dakota

Keep Our State Troopers Safe

In light of a recent accident that took place earlier this month that resulted in injuries to a highway patrolman, North Dakota State Troopers are asking residents to remember the move over law. Officers, while performing all functions of their job out on the freeway, are often at great risk of physical harm by other motorists who are speeding or refuse to move over to give them more space. These types of car accidents often end in serious injury or fatality to these troopers who are just trying to do their jobs.

The most recent accident, involving a Grand Forks Highway Patrolman, occurred earlier this December. The trooper was pulled to the side of the road, calling for a tow truck to help a stranded driver, when his patrol car was hit. A pickup truck had apparently struck the backside of his car when the driver lost control of their vehicle. The officer was taken to the local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

North Dakota’s Move Over Law

North Dakota does have a law in place that requires drivers to move over to the other lane when passing an officer that is pulled to the side of the road. Drivers who don’t comply with this law could face a fine and/or lose points from their license. State Troopers are simply asking that drivers remember to slow down and take extra caution when passing an incident that requires one of their officers to pull to the side of the road.

It was reported that more than half a dozen state troopers in the Grand Forks area have been involved in these types of car accidents. Injuries they may sustain can lead to huge medical expenses and necessary time off work to heal. Aside from any workers’ compensation they may be entitled to, they may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver deemed responsible for the incident. A civil court in North Dakota — if liability is affirmed — may be able to award them monetary compensation for their injuries and pain and suffering that may have been a result of the accident.

Source: grandforksherald.com, N.D. troopers highlight ‘move-over’ law, Victor Correa, Dec. 18, 2013.