Crime & Safety

Officer Dodges Death In Near-Miss Crash: Watch

Irving police say the officer's harrowing near-miss illustrates the importance of Texas' Move Over Law.

IRVING, TX — The Irving Police Department is reminding drivers to pay attention on the road this week after an officer's body camera captured the moment when his quick thinking saved his life.

Officer Sam Hall was wrapping up a traffic stop on the side of Highway 114 Wednesday and making his way back to his motorcycle when he was nearly struck by a passing car.

In the video, a car can be seen veering right, toward the shoulder where Hall was standing. With little time to react, Hall jumps to safety across a barricade as the car, tires screeching and smoking, strikes his motorcycle.

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Neither the driver nor Hall were uninjured, but the officer told KDFW one of his greatest fears is being killed in the line of duty.

“That’s one of my greatest fears is something like that happening and I’m not able to make it back home to my family,” Hall told the news station.

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His wife, he said, was distraught and angry over the incident.

“She was certainly sad. She was a little confused," he told KDFW. "She was angry, like ‘How does this happen? Can they not see?’ type deal. I think it’s been tougher on her more than anybody.”

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Police in Irving insist this incident illustrates the importance of Texas' Move Over law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when certain vehicles – including police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights.

Violations of the Move Over Law can result in a fine of up to $200. The fine can increase to $500 if there is property damage. If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Watch Officer Sam Hall's Near-Miss Below:

Lead image via Irving Police Department

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