LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – A Pennsylvania state trooper’s tragic death is serving as a stark reminder for Louisiana drivers hitting the road this Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Trooper Michael Pahira, 44, died Wednesday after a semi veered off the road and struck him during a traffic stop.
Louisiana State Police Trooper Roy Jones says it’s a tragedy that could have been prevented.
“So the move over law, it’s a law that requires you to move over on a multi-lane highway or anytime you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the roadway with their hazards on, tow truck drivers, law enforcement officials,” Jones said.
It’s simple in principle and saves lives, but Jones says he watches people disregard it every single day.
“We see that law being violated every single day and we’re out here trying to enforce that law every day to make sure public safety,” he said.
And it’s not an empty rule. The U.S. Department of Transportation says that in 2024, 33,000 crashes happened along the shoulder of the road nationwide. In 2025, 13 law enforcement officers died due to drivers failing to slow down and move over.
Jones says anyone can find themselves on the side of the highway.
“That could be you on the side of the roadway, or that could be one of your loved ones… You know, just slow down and move over. That’s all we’re asking for,” Jones said.
Louisiana State Police say they will be out in full force this Fourth of July weekend, and if you don’t move over, you could be getting a ticket.
AAA projects that 61.4 million people will travel by car this week for the holiday.
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