The law that was recently passed that requires motorist to change lanes when a law enforcement officer is stopped on the side of the road and has activated his emergency equipment is for the officer’s safety. Law enforcement will activate the emergency equipment either on a traffic stop, traffic crash or assisting a motorist.

Yesterday at approximately 10:15 a.m. Sgt. Mark Kimsey was at 7200 Hixson Pike setting up to do a Forensics mapping of the traffic crash that occurred on April 30th. He activated his emergency equipment and moved to the rear of his marked patrol car to retrieve needed equipment for the mapping. Deputy Todd Cook was trying to place his vehicle at a distance from Sgt. Kimsey to further assist in safety.

As you will be able to see from observing the video clip will provide to show the events as they happened, Sgt. Kimsey is very lucky that he was not injured or worse. We would appreciate if the media would pass the message along to the public to stay aware of their surroundings when they are operating a motor vehicle. Watch out for law enforcement that have stopped a traffic violator or working a traffic crash. Be aware of other motorist who are either driving a vehicle or motorcycle so that everyone arrives safely to their destination.