Last Saturday, two people tragically lost their lives in an accident on Interstate 75 in Ocala, Florida while another died later that day. At approximately 1:40 p.m., Chelsea Richard, a nine year veteran with Florida Highway Patrol, responded to the scene of a two car traffic crash on I-75. Richard called for a tow truck to remove the vehicles. 
Approximately 20 minutes later, another traffic crash occurred nearby, involving seven vehicles. At almost the same time as the seven car pileup, a black pickup truck hauling a trailer veered off the road striking the trooper’s patrol car and then striking FHP Trooper Richard, the tow truck driver, John Duggan, and another bystander, George Phillips. Richard and Duggan were both pronounced dead at the scene. George Phillips died later that day at Ocala Regional Medical Center.
According to the Highway Patrol, since 1999 over 170 law enforcement officers have been killed after being struck by vehicles along the highway. In 2002, Florida joined other states in passing the “Move Over” law. The law requires motorists to move over one lane or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when an emergency vehicle has its flashing lights on and is parked on the side of the road.
Although the law has been in effect for 12 years, the Highway Patrol has reported that a large number of people are still unaware of the law. To educate people, every year the Highway Patrol puts out news releases and posts messages on highway billboards and signs regarding the move over law.
At Steven A. Bagen and Associates, we have handled hundreds of I-75 accident cases, including some for law enforcement officers who have been struck while working on the highway. We ask that everyone please pay attention to all emergency vehicles and workers on the side of the highway, obey the law and move over one lane or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. If you or someone you know, has been involved in an accident on the highway, call our office at (352)377-9000 or email us at SABOFFICE@BAGENLAW.COM.
