South Carolina has been shaken in recent weeks by a series of devastating roadside incidents involving our State Troopers. Since August, three troopers have been struck while performing traffic stops, one fatally. These tragedies underscore a truth that law enforcement officers live with daily: the roadside is one of the most dangerous places they serve.
Lives Changed in an Instant
On August 10, Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks, just 30 years old, was conducting a traffic stop in Orangeburg County when he was struck by a driver operating with a suspended license. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Trooper Ricks passed away four days later. The driver now faces a charge of reckless homicide.
Weeks later, Trooper Mitchell Williams Jr. was hit while conducting a stop on I-77. He was fortunate to be treated and released from the hospital, but his injuries serve as another reminder of how quickly a routine stop can turn dangerous.
Most recently, on September 9, Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty, a 40-year veteran of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, was severely injured while working a stop in Lexington County. A chain-reaction crash struck multiple vehicles, including Trooper LaBounty, who was airlifted to Prisma Health in serious condition. He remains in serious but stable condition, facing a long recovery.
As SCHP Colonel Christopher Williamson shared, “Master Trooper LaBounty is one of those guys who would give his shirt off his back if you are in need. He is tender-hearted, a true public servant for his community, but he’s also tough as nails. I think that’s evident in how he’s fighting back despite the very serious injuries he sustained.”
The Move Over Law: A Matter of Life and Death
South Carolina was the first state in the nation to adopt a “Move Over” law, enacted in 1996 and strengthened in 2002. The law is simple, but too often ignored:
- When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, drivers must proceed with caution.
- If safe, move into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle.
- If a lane change isn’t possible, slow down significantly and pass carefully.
This law applies not only to police officers, but also to firefighters, EMS, tow truck drivers, and other first responders. Violating it is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines between $300 and $500.
Yet despite being on the books for nearly three decades, compliance remains dangerously low. National surveys have shown that most drivers are unaware of Move Over laws, and enforcement is difficult when officers cannot safely issue citations at active crash scenes. Every time a driver fails to slow down or move over, they gamble with the life of an officer, a motorist in distress, or even themselves.
A Call to Responsibility
Law enforcement officers accept the risks of the job, but they should never be left exposed by preventable negligence. Drivers have the power to change this. By simply slowing down and moving over, lives can be saved. The deaths and injuries of recent weeks are not statistics – they are people who swore an oath to protect us.
To the public: when you see flashing lights, treat them as a warning that someone’s life is in danger. To fellow officers: continue raising awareness of the Move Over law and the dangers of roadside work through community outreach, training, and media opportunities. To our partners in government: stronger outreach and consistent penalties must remain priorities so this law is not just words on paper.
Standing with Trooper LaBounty
As Master Trooper LaBounty continues his fight, the law enforcement family and the community he has served for four decades are rallying behind him. A fundraiser has been launched to support his family during this long recovery.
This effort is coordinated by Serve & Connect in partnership with the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Highway Patrol, the South Carolina Troopers Association, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, and the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.
Every dollar raised will go directly to the LaBounty family.
Donate to Support Master Trooper LaBounty
Final Word
Trooper Ricks, Trooper Williams, and Trooper LaBounty remind us why the Move Over law exists. Their stories demand that we do better. South Carolina drivers must take personal responsibility every time they see those blue lights ahead.
When you see emergency lights, slow down, move over, and protect those who protect us.
