An Atlanta Police Officer was investigating a crash on the side of the highway when he was hit by an oncoming car, injuring him.
The department released a tweet with body cam footage of the incident, showing the officer turn way from oncoming traffic for a split second before he is sent flying.
According to officials, Officer Steven Randerson was on the right shoulder of the I-75 highway investigating a separate accident when an oncoming car driving at a fast speed lost control in the wet conditions.
“It happened so quick – I was hit by the SUV,” Randerson said.
The nine-year veteran of the department is still and injured and taking time off work to heal.
“Right now, it’s still hard to walk,” he told Channel 2 Action News.
Police also posted the video on Facebook, with a caption lauding their officers’ constant bravery in the line of duty and taking the opportunity to remind the public about Georgia’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over a lane when emergency vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
“We are grateful that Officer Randerson is in the healing process. This could have ended so much worse. This incident is a reminder of the many dangerous situation’s officers can and do encounter each day and how grateful we should all be for their service. We are proud of the work our officers do and are mindful of their bravery,” the department wrote.
Georgia’s Move Over Law is intended to prevent similar accidents like Randerson’s from occurring. Oftentimes, they are deadly.
For instance, a Knightdale N.C. police officer, Ryan Hayworth, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver according to the NCSHP while investigating a crash on the I-540. He was in the far right lane when the driver hit the back of his car, killing him and injuring those involved in the previous accident.
Hayworth, 23, was still in field training at the time of his death. Charges in the case are pending.
Then again, on June 5th, 2021, APD Officer Duc Vo was hit by a drunk driver while on site of an auto accident. APD posted the video with another plea for people to remember to read more on Georgia’s Move Over Law, Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (gahighwaysafety.org).
