BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is urging the importance of the move over law after one of its deputies had a close call on Saturday while investigating a traffic crash.
The deputy was just outside of Bedford town limits on Route 460 when a vehicle hit his car at a high speed. Luckily, according to the Sheriff’s Office, the deputy wasn’t in his car at the time of the crash.
In body camera video from deputy Brian Ellis, you can hear the two year rookie calmly relay back to dispatch that his car has been hit.
“Calmness just conveys that it’s taken care of,” Ellis said.
WATCH THE BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE BELOW:
Sheriff Mike Miller said a female driver hit Ellis’ vehicle while he was pulled over on the side of the median.
Miller released the video Tuesday to educate the public and remind drivers to move over because it’s the law.
“Now it’s up to the driver to keep attention. To watch what’s in front of them, what’s around them at all times,” Miller said.
The impact not only damaged Ellis’ trunk, but his rifle is now left in pieces.
Virginia State Police have estimated the damages to be about $40,000 between both cars.
“Seeing the vehicle in person you kind of get the gravity of the situation. You’re able to see just how far there is no trunk left,” Ellis said.
Ellis, who walked away uninjured, said the 'what if’s 'did cross his mind but he added, “to be here, to be standing and walking to not be involved in that at all is just by the grace of God.”
The driver who hit the deputy’s car was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.
Virginia State Police issued a reckless driving summons to the driver, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public that many times, deputies and law enforcement officers aren’t so lucky and are killed or seriously hurt due to drivers who fail to move over.
Every state has some type of move over law requiring drivers to move over and/or slow down when they see emergency vehicles with lights activated.