Collision involving state trooper car on Southern State Parkway renews call for drivers to follow Move Over Law

The trooper was taken to the hospital. While his injuries were not serious, state troopers are renewing a call to drivers to move over.

Liz Burke

Nov 10, 2024, 3:12 AM

Updated 26 days ago

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A collision involving a state trooper car is renewing the call for drivers to follow the state Move Over Law.
A state trooper was conducting a traffic stop Saturday afternoon on the right shoulder of the westbound Southern State Parkway, east of the Meadowbrook Parkway when authorities say his car was struck.
“As he was re-entering his car, another vehicle struck the trooper car door. The trooper exited the vehicle and fell to the pavement in the exit lane. He was able to re-enter his car and call for assistance,” said Timothy Gleason Sr., captain of New York State Trooper L Headquarters.
The driver that hit the trooper car was not hurt. The trooper was taken to the hospital. While his injuries were not serious, state troopers are renewing a call to drivers to move over.
According to the Move Over Law, as soon as drivers see reflectors, flashing hazard lights or other lights, they should slow down and move to another lane on the highway.
In the spring, News 12 reported about a distracted driver who rear-ended a state trooper's car on the Meadowbrook Parkway. That trooper did not suffer serious injuries, but this is exactly what state troopers have been trying to prevent.
“We’re asking the public to help us out and move over, slow down. Do what you have to do,” Gleason said.
Gleason added that the courts decide the types of penalties violators face, and the Move Over Law applies to both sides or shoulders of a highway.
“This situation could have been a horrible tragedy. It could've left a family without a husband, without a father and we're extremely grateful tonight that that is not the case,” Gleason said.