LANCASTER, N.Y. — New York State Police want to remind drivers about the state’s Move Over Law after they say a 22-year-old hit a patrol car on the side of the New York State Thruway.
State Police say on Saturday just before 2 a.m., two troopers were outside their patrol car on the left shoulder of the Thruway in Lancaster, Erie County, helping a disabled motorist. They say a passing Kia driven by the 22-year-old spun out and hit the rear of the parked patrol car.
The parked patrol car hit got pushed into one of the troopers, causing her to be thrown into the snow off the shoulder of the road, according to State Police. They say the trooper was brought to Erie County Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries, and was later released.
The driver and her passenger were evaluated by first responders, but declined treatment or transportation to the hospital, State Police say.
There were no signs of drug or alcohol impairment in the driver, State Police say. They also say the cause of the crash was the result of unsafe driving for the conditions. The driver was issued multiple citations for vehicle and traffic law violations.
According to State Police, this is the second time a trooper was hit on the Thruway in the past two weeks. New York’s Move Over Law requires motorists to slow down and move over as soon as you see lights, vests, or reflectors.
RELATED: State expands Move Over Law, aiming to protect people from roadside crashes (March 2024)
This law is meant to protect law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow and service vehicle operators, and other maintenance workers stopped along roadways while working.
In 2025, more than 2,500 tickets were issued for Move Over Law violations along the Thruway, State Police say.
State Police want to remind people to be alert to poor visibility and deteriorating road conditions and adjust driving accordingly.
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