Md. State Trooper Struck By Driver Who Failed To Move Over

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Maryland state trooper is spending the start of the year fighting for his life. He was struck by a driver who failed to move over like the law requires.

Amy Yensi with more on the accident.

The law is clear--move over for any stopped police or fire vehicles--but this latest accident shows many drivers are just not doing that.

Maryland State Trooper Tristen Phillip is badly hurt and rushed to Shock Trauma after being struck by a driver on New Year's Eve. His patrol car was rear-ended while he stopped on the shoulder of I-95 south to help a stranded driver in Howard County.

Phillip is the latest of several officers struck in Maryland, even though state law requires vehicles to move over one lane if a police or fire vehicle is pulled over on the side of the road.

October 2013, Maryland State Trooper Jacqueline Kline was sent flying into the air and into the back of another trooper's windshield.

"It's the most frustrating thing that I've ever dealt with," said Kline.

"Oh, it's very scary. You just never know," Officer Richard Mossman said.

Officer Mossman says pulling over is the most dangerous part of the job. He invited WJZ to tag along as he educated drivers.

If police catch you breaking the law, it's a $110 fine and one point on your license. The penalties go even higher if you don't move over and cause an accident.

Drivers who spoke with WJZ say they follow the law, but understand why accidents happen.

"You do get into a trance, like when you're driving and you're not paying attention. All at once, it's too late," said C.J. Defilippo, driver.

"It's really easy to hit somebody. You don't want to, obviously, but it can be hard to see, and you have to give them as much room as you can," said David O'Reilly.

The driver who hit the trooper's vehicle is Rodeny Irons, Jr. He was driving without a license. Charges are pending.

Trooper Phillip has been a member of the Maryland State Police for two years.