8 troopers hit by cars since 2009

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - After a trooper was hit by a tractor trailer on Monday, State Police said troopers get hit by cars fairly often when making traffic stops.

In the last two years, eight troopers were hit while on a traffic stop. "In 2009, we had five troopers who were struck on the roadway. As of this date in 2010, we have lowered that number to three," said Lt. Curtis Hardison.

The latest accident happened Monday afternoon on Interstate 664 in Chesapeake. Trooper Steve Hawkins pulled over someone for speeding. The trooper was off his motorcycle and standing alongside the car when a tractor trailer approached.

"He saw the motorcycle. He saw the lights. He saw the trooper. He attempted to move over one time. He saw that there was traffic and he couldn't. Then he tried to move over a second time - there was still traffic in his way. As he went back over to the right, into his lane, he went too far and went onto the shoulder of the highway and struck Trooper Haskins," said Hardison.

In Monday's accident, even though the driver of the tractor trailer tried to get over, he was charged with reckless driving. Hardison said everyone on the road needs to move over when they see flashing lights.

"Immediately start slowing down. Be courteous to other drivers. We ask everybody to yield to each other and to the police vehicle or the emergency vehicle at the time," said Hardison.

Trooper Hawkins is currently in the hospital recovering from injuries.