TURNER COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Law enforcement agencies across South Georgia are reminding drivers about the importance of Georgia’s Move Over Law after a Turner County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle was recently struck.

Officials said Deputy Jerry Taft was not inside his patrol vehicle at the time of the crash and was not injured. However, the incident serves as another reminder of the dangers first responders face while working on roadsides and highways.

According to Turner County Sheriff Andrew Hester, the driver of a tractor-trailer struck Deputy Taft’s patrol vehicle while he was assisting a broken-down vehicle in the emergency lane. Hester said that had the truck been 20 feet farther over, it could have struck both the deputy and the disabled vehicle. Deputy Taft was not injured and has since returned to work. The driver of the semi-truck was cited.

Under Georgia’s Move Over Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16), drivers are required to move over one lane when approaching stationary emergency, utility, sanitation, towing, or highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights. If changing lanes is not possible or safe, motorists must slow down below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Law enforcement officials say roadside crashes involving emergency vehicles continue to be a concern across South Georgia. Several crashes involving patrol vehicles and first responders have occurred in recent years, highlighting the risks officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and tow truck operators face while assisting motorists and responding to emergencies.

Authorities are urging drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions and pay close attention when approaching vehicles stopped on the shoulder.

Officials hope incidents like the one involving the Turner County deputy’s vehicle will encourage motorists to follow the law and help protect those working along Georgia’s roadways.

“Moving over isn’t just the law—it’s a simple action that can save lives,” officials said.

Anyone who sees flashing lights ahead is encouraged to slow down, move over when safe to do so and give emergency personnel the space they need to work safely.

WALB has reached out to the Turner County Sheriff’s Office for comments.

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