IL State Trooper Struck And Killed On I-55

I agree. If I have to force myself left, I'm doing it, no questions asked. Happened to me a few weeks back in SC. No one would let me over, so I just started moving left. No, not all the way into the lane, but #### sure far enough to allow a little clearance to my right. Those cars in the left lane? Yeah, they moved over to the shoulder. I'm fed up with all the crap from inconsiderate four-wheelers. I'll be patient....to a point. But after that, it's like driving in NYC....the turn signal is not asking, it's telling.

 

In my opinion this is why a trooper should NEVER pull anyone over on the side of the road.
Follow the target to be pulled over up to the next exit ramp then execute the stop OFF of the interstate.

 

though i understand what you did, we should not be forced to such drastic measures so a cop can give a ticket, that was most likely less dangerous than the situation the cop is causing

 

In my situation, a cop had nothing to do with it. A motorist had lost control and was against the right side rail on a small bridge in SC. He was sticking out into the right lane. Had I not moved over, I would have killed him by hitting his vehicle as he was still in it, trying to move it out of trouble (he didn't hit very hard...not even sure how he ended up there). I saw it a good half-mile to 3/4 of a mile before I actually got to it, started signalling, and no one would let me move left, I suspect because I was slowing and....HEAVEN FORBID.....anyone might have to lose 3 to 5 seconds of their precious flippin' day!. Finally, I had to just start easing over, traffic to the left be ######. I moved far enough to clear him.

I'm really at a point where I just don't care about these people as much as I once did. Sad. But then again....my attitude toward our society as a whole is plummeting very rapidly.

 

Not just 4 wheelers, but there are more of them.

I have been hung out to dry by both.

Every man for himself anymore.

 

I drive the same way. 2 blinks if there's time, then I'm moving over. Difference is, drivers in NYC know this and are ready for it, drivers in SC don't.

I believe that the problem is other drivers not paying attention. They're texting, talking on the phone, watching TV, doing a crossword puzzle. They just don't see or notice anything until it starts moving into their lane. Sometimes not even then.

 

even if they are paying attention, they are clueless or out to prove you cant push them around

nothing boosts the frail ego more than blocking a big truck

"moving over" is a great etiquette but a lousy law

 

Personally I find most drivers are quick to give you room if they realize you're attempting to move over because of flashing lights on the shoulder. All the more reason to try and leave a huge gap in front of you, both to give you time to react and to make it more likely they can see why you want over.

It amazes me how many times I see a cop/tow truck/whatever else on the shoulder and move over long before vehicles ahead of me seem to see it.

There are times though when you just can't get over and the best you can do is slow and hug the center line. Once you slow very much it becomes more dangerous to try and get in between faster moving vehicles. A couple of times I've just put on the 4 ways and slowed right down when it was clear I wouldn't be able to safely jump over a lane.

 

This is bad for all families involved. The shoulder on the highway is not a safe haven for anyone. Blinking lights from a civilian automobile to law enforcement is a tool to warn other motorist. no magical barrier to stop anything.
Pedestrians with a vehicle on the shoulder, should use situational awareness.

Condolences to the troopers family and to the truck driver/family