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Highway Patrol Trooper, 3 Others Injured In Wreck Near Benson

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JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — Four people, including a state Highway Patrol trooper, were injured in an accident on Interstate 95 north of Benson Friday morning.

State Highway Patrol investigators say Trooper Derek Mobley's patrol car was rear-ended by a passing vehicle during a routine stop just before 10 a.m.

Investigators said Mobley was sitting in his car, which was pulled off to the side of the road, when the driver of a Ford Taurus ran off the road and plowed into his car. The impact sent Mobley's car into the Cadillac in front of it.

Four people, including Mobley, were transported at a hospital for treatment. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening.

The incident is the third of its kind along a Johnston County interstate this week. Statewide, eight troopers have been hit this year.

The Highway Patrol said it has become increasingly clear that many drivers do not know about a

new state law

that requires drivers to move into the left lane when emergency vehicles are pulled off on the side of the road.

"There's absolutely no reason for a car to run into another car off of the roadway -- especially when it has six feet of blue lights on top of it," Sgt. Joe Starling said.

The state Highway Patrol wants to raise awareness.

"We're in the process of working with DOT to get signs up for people coming into our state to let them know there is a law," Sgt. Everett Clendenin said.

There is no word on what caused the driver of the Taurus to run off the road.

The "move over" law does not just apply to troopers, but all emergency vehicles. It carries a $125 fine.

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