SC law enforcement to crack down on 'move over' law, distracted drivers after 3 troopers hit
Share and Follow


RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety will address Monday the recent string of troopers being hit by vehicles while performing traffic stops.

It comes after three troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol were either injured or killed after being struck along interstates or highways in two months.

Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition after he was hit on Augusta Highway in Lexington County on the morning of Sept. 9.

Senior Trooper Mitchell Williams Jr. was hit by a vehicle on Sept. 7 while assisting with a traffic stop on I-77 in Richland County. He is recovering from his injuries at home, according to the Department of Public Safety.

The driver in that case was arrested for driving under the influence, according to authorities.

Trooper Dennis Ricks died after being hit during a traffic stop on I-26 in Orangeburg County on Aug. 13. The driver, a Hanahan man, was initially charged with driving under suspension; however, those charges were upgraded to reckless homicide following the trooper’s death.

Public safety officials are also expected to announce a joint statewide crackdown on distracted drivers and South Carolina’s ‘Move Over’ law.

The law has been in place since 1996. It required drivers to move over or slow down for flashing lights. Violators could be fined between $300 and $500.

Monday’s press conference will be held in Blythewood at 10:30 a.m. It will be streamed live on the department’s official Facebook page.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

When will shutdown end? Lawmakers have no clue

The intense partisan politics that drove Washington into a shutdown are making…

Democrats Unify Against Trump in Anticipation of Potential Government Shutdown

NEW YORK – On this, at least, the Democrats agree: It’s time…

U of I Study Reveals Impact of Misinformation and Disinformation on Relationship Breakups

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A study by researchers at the University of…

Additional Honorees Revealed for the 2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Thursday, the Savannah College of Art and Design…

Beatty Leveraging Versatile Abilities with the Illini Team

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Hank Beatty’s versatility was on full display in…

Ex-Judge Poised to Become Leader of 17 Million-Strong Mormon Church

SALT LAKE CITY – Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court…

New Development Plans Announced for Hotel Aiken and Additional Properties

AIKEN, S.C. () — Downtown Aiken could be getting a major makeover.…

High School Sports Scores and Highlights (September 30, 2025)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) – Highlights and scores from Tuesday night’s high school…