Howard County officer pinned against guardrail after vehicle slams into patrol cars on I-95
COLUMBIA, MD – A Howard County Police officer narrowly avoided serious injury after a vehicle struck two patrol cars during a traffic stop on I-95, briefly pinning the officer against a guardrail in a crash authorities say highlights the importance of Maryland’s Move Over Law.
The incident occurred Monday night on northbound I-95 near Route 175 while two officers were conducting a traffic stop and making an arrest. A passing vehicle collided with both patrol units parked on the shoulder, forcing one of the officers into the guardrail.
Fortunately, officials say injuries were minor. The officer and the driver of the striking vehicle were both evaluated and did not require hospitalization.
Police are using the incident as a reminder of the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes or significantly reduce speed when approaching any stationary vehicle with warning signals, including emergency, tow, utility, or personal vehicles.
The law is designed to protect roadside workers, law enforcement, and all motorists from secondary crashes and serious injury.
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Key Points
- A Howard County officer was briefly pinned by a vehicle that struck two patrol cars on I-95
- The crash happened during a traffic stop near Route 175; only minor injuries were reported
- Maryland’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over or slow down near stopped vehicles