N.C. House To Consider Hit-And-Run Bill Introduced After UNC Reporter's Death

Members of the N.C. House could give final approval Monday to

a bill

that would strengthen hit-and-run laws.

The measure was introduced after the death of UNC sports radio reporter Stephen Gates.

Gates was killed in 2003 while changing a tire on Interstate 40.

Police said Emily Caveness hit Gates and then switched places with passenger Rabah Samara, who drove away.

Caveness pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and received community service. Samara was cleared of a more serious hit-and-run charge.

The bill would make it a crime for the driver and passenger to switch places.

If approved by the House, Governor Mike Easley would have 10 days to sign the bill into law.