I-55 Litchfield Trooper Killed avoid area
- Thread starter bobwg
- Start date
BigCat
Expert Expediter
Any word on how it happened? Like did the driver hit him in the median or shoulder or did he pull out in front of the truck?
I've seen troopers give no warning and just shoot out in traffic, actually happened to me in New Mexico when I was with panther. I almost lost control trying to avoid it.
I've seen troopers give no warning and just shoot out in traffic, actually happened to me in New Mexico when I was with panther. I almost lost control trying to avoid it.
westmicher
Veteran Expediter
The 32 year old motorcycle officer was conducting a traffic stop when he was ran over and killed by the semi driver. The officer leaves behind a wife and two young kids. No, he did not pull out in front of the semi.
Illinois State Trooper Killed on I-55 Near Litchfield « CBS St. Louis
A tragic loss for both families now and the grief that follows, God bless them all.
BigCat
Expert Expediter
Ok just saying I've seen that on more than one occasion. I couldn't find anything about it until you posted.
bobwg
Expert Expediter
I have seen lots of truck and car drivers refuse to move over to the next lane when they have room. No matter if it s a cop or truck or car on the shoulder people should move over. I was broke down on the shoulder of I-75 in Kentucky about 2am in the morning last year and with lite traffic people still would not move over.
After reading many post in here , there is a big loss in manners, respect,and safety is a laughing matter to many, but not all. Laziness, rudeness, a sheetze attitude is really prevalent these days in drivers. PS, not all drivers are in the above boat, but well, some are. I think it is called road rage 24/7. ( Of course I am a perfect driver and have never had a bad impatient moment on the road, so there. I also have 2 lots for sale in Bolivia with a gold mine on the property.)
pearlpro
Expert Expediter
I live nearby this area about 30 mins north from me and I came right thru the area after the road was open, it was a tragedy that happened when the truck didnt have room to move over, evidently the tropper stepped off his bike and into the traffic lane, and he was struck, he was 32 and leaves a family behind, It saddens me as I know several State troopers from the HQ in that area, This area is a hi traffic area, its Litchfield IL and its a growing town that has drawn many new residents and businesses to the area, Its the same area where the bus hit the bridge overpass and killed the woman, and there have been other bad accidents there. If your North or South bound on I 55 In IL I suggest you pay more attention there, and if I were a trucker and saw a cop or state vehicle Id do whatever I had to do to get over....my condolences to the Trooper, his family and his Troop in Litchfield, Its a job and a dangerous one at that....
Can it really be said the truck didn't have room to get over ? How far did the trooper step into the lane ? How much distance was there between the truck that him him and the truck in the next lane ? Better to take out a mirror than a life .
Maybe the police should not stand next to traffic, but on the side of the car that is next to the curb so to speak, makes sense to me not to have your T-Hiney hanging out in the wind.
bobwg
Expert Expediter
Alot of drivers are too stupid or lazy or what ever to pull as far off the highway as possible when stopping on the side of the road. They should not be stopping at all if they are not having an emergency or break down. Go to the next exit to switch drivers, phone calls, pee, etc
In Illinois it is NOT law to move over...as the signage says in rest areas....it says move over IF safe to do so and if you can not, slowdown.
Formally known as Scotts law...
The "Move Over" Law, formerly called "Scott's Law," requires motorists to move over a lane if there is an emergency vehicle stopped with lights flashing and has been in effect since January 1, 2002.
This protects firefighters, police officers and maintenance workers during the course of their duties.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/state-police/public-information/move-over-law
[h=2]Everyday Examples[/h]
Formally known as Scotts law...
The "Move Over" Law, formerly called "Scott's Law," requires motorists to move over a lane if there is an emergency vehicle stopped with lights flashing and has been in effect since January 1, 2002.
This protects firefighters, police officers and maintenance workers during the course of their duties.
http://www.illinoistollway.com/state-police/public-information/move-over-law
[h=2]Everyday Examples[/h]
- You are traveling on the interstate and you see an accident scene with emergency vehicle flashing its lights. You, as the motorist, must change lanes and reduce your speed to pass the emergency vehicle safely.
- You see that the right lane or shoulder is blocked by emergency equipment. If it's clear to change lanes to your left, you must do so. If, in the same scenario, you cannot change lanes because of vehicular traffic in the lane next to you, slow down to a speed that will make your vehicle safe as you pass the emergency vehicles. Keep in mind that each situation presents its own dangers.
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Most states actual statutes read the same way... move over when safe to do so or slow down if you can not....
Kentucky:
"Yield the right-of-way by moving to a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if: The person is driving on a highway having at least four lanes with not fewer than two lanes proceeding in the same direction; and 2. If it is possible to make the lane change with due regard to safety and traffic conditions; or reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed to road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe."
I've seen so many near misses because drivers absolutely think they must get over and they are cutting people off to do so...
Kentucky:
"Yield the right-of-way by moving to a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if: The person is driving on a highway having at least four lanes with not fewer than two lanes proceeding in the same direction; and 2. If it is possible to make the lane change with due regard to safety and traffic conditions; or reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed to road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe."
I've seen so many near misses because drivers absolutely think they must get over and they are cutting people off to do so...
news reports from my area show that the trooper stepped off his bike and into the traffic lane at the same time the slowed down truck was about to pass by. no charges have been filed against the truck driver and unless something shows up they didnt act like there would be. just an awful accident. no reports of how the trooper managed to step into the lane. whether he stumbled or what hasnt been reported. they have been quite tight lipped.
while this is a tragedy and especially at the holidays, we were not impressed with the dozens of state troopers that were at the scene. overkill and a big whole left where they should have been. yes they needed an adequate amount of officers for control and investigation but that was a bit much. had it been a single citizen death you would have had the standard 6 or 8 plus investigators. this in no way diminishes the tragedy that this family has to deal with or the emotional effect it will have on the truck driver if this was an accident and no fault of his. im sure in the weeks to come we will get an explanation of what exactly caused this tragedy.
while this is a tragedy and especially at the holidays, we were not impressed with the dozens of state troopers that were at the scene. overkill and a big whole left where they should have been. yes they needed an adequate amount of officers for control and investigation but that was a bit much. had it been a single citizen death you would have had the standard 6 or 8 plus investigators. this in no way diminishes the tragedy that this family has to deal with or the emotional effect it will have on the truck driver if this was an accident and no fault of his. im sure in the weeks to come we will get an explanation of what exactly caused this tragedy.
bobwg
Expert Expediter
Ksdk.com. FMCSA has ordered the truck driver to cease all operation of motor vehicles and calls the driver an imminent hazard. The Fmcsa claims the driver from Georgia admits to falling unconscious just before the accident due to a prescription drug which the driver failed to notify anyone that he was taking. The driver would have been been banned from driving because of the prescription drug. If this is true he should go to prison
yes he should if that is the case. still amazes me has to how the news can have different stories. you and i are not that far apart and the reports are different. as i said, it will tell itself in the coming weeks. still a tragedy though.