OHP Reminds Drivers To Watch Out For Troopers On The Road

For the second time in two weeks, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol squad car was struck by a car while pulled over on the side of the road. 

As Memorial Day signals the start of summer, OHP has a message for drivers: Move over or get pulled over when a car is parked on the side of the road.  

"Cars driving 60 to 70 to 80 miles per hour at some points, passing your car literally two to three feet," OHP Trooper Eric Foster said.

According to the 2019 Move Over Law, drivers are required to get to an adjacent lane or slow way down when lights are flashing on the side of the road.

"[It's for] all first responders, but not only that, state law goes on further to say wrecker drivers or even cars that are broken down with their four-way flashers on," Foster said.  

When drivers don't switch lanes, they run the risk of crashing into those on the side of the road. It's a chance someone took in the early hours of Memorial Day near Edmond when they drove through an accident site.

"While they were doing that, another vehicle came up onto the crash scene and struck two of the units that were stationary trying to block that lane and protect the scene,” Foster said.  

The Troopers in that crash weren't hurt. The same can't be said for Densil Johnson, who was struck less than two weeks ago in Canadian County. 

Johnson had to be hospitalized but was later released. According to Foster, of the nearly 40 Troopers on the Memorial Wall, most died in some kind of motor vehicle-related crash.

"I've had partners that have been injured in crashes sitting on the roadway,” Foster said.  

Foster said drivers should switch lanes as soon as they see the flashing lights instead of when they're closer to the stopped car, especially at night.

"They're high intensity lights. You can see them for a long way." Foster said. “Your depth perception at night and your ability to judge speeds is very much hampered."

Since the Move Over Law's passing in late 2019, Foster said he has seen the majority of people behind the wheel give Troopers extra room.

However, those who don't change lanes or slow down could be facing an almost $250 fine.