Most drivers have passed a police officer interacting with motorists pulled over for a traffic violation. Because motorists see vehicles stopped on the side of the road so frequently, drivers might have a tendency to view the situation as routine. However, an officer with the Mississippi Highway Patrol recently experienced the potential danger involved in this scenario. The officer and his K-9 suffered injuries after a motorist collided with the patrolman’s squad car parked on the shoulder of Mississippi 45 in Tupelo, MS. Although the officer and his K-9 were both injured, they were expected to make a full recovery.
While this story had a happy ending, shoulder of the road accidents frequently cause severe and permanent injuries. Road shoulder accidents usually occur because a motorist with car trouble is stranded or a worker is fulfilling job duties. A flat tire, mechanical problems, blowout, or traffic stop might stand a motorist. Workers most typically injured in these dangerous crashes include law enforcement officers, tow truck drivers, construction crews, emergency responders, etc.
The edge of the roadway does not provide a safe environment for workers or drivers experiencing mechanical problems. Drivers approaching vehicles on the shoulder often fail to allow enough room when passing. When a stranded or stopped motorist is outside of a vehicle dealing with maintenance, repair, or traffic violation issues, the risk of a fatal collision or catastrophic injury rises because of the human body’s proximity to traffic without any form of protection from impact.
Many states have passed “Move Over” laws to reduce the risk of shoulder accidents. These laws generally require that drivers take the reasonable precaution of scooting over to an adjacent lane when emergency responders are present on the side of the road. The Mississippi Move Over statute directs motorists traveling on interstate highways in the direction of an emergency vehicle to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle. If traffic conditions make it unsafe to change to an adjacent lane, drivers are supposed to reduce their speed and be prepared to stop. When a motorist observes an emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway with flashing lights, the law requires drivers to slow down and proceed with caution.
Although Mississippi’s Move Over law does not extend to stranded motorists and public works employees working on the shoulder, prudent motorists must keep in mind that these individuals also are vulnerable. Drivers should strive to leave sufficient space in the event a vehicle occupant exits a car parked on the side of the road and attempts to walk around the vehicle.
When drivers violate Move Over laws or fail to exercise reasonable caution to avoid hitting vehicles or pedestrians on the shoulder of the road, their negligent conduct might justify financial compensation. If you have been injured in a road shoulder accident in Jacksonville or the surrounding areas, our Mississippi Traffic Accident Lawyers have successfully represented many victims of negligent motorists. At Barrett Law, we are here to help. Contact our firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding filing your claim.