State Senate Scheduled To Vote On 'Stephen Gates' Law Wednesday

RALEIGH, N.C. — State senators are expected to vote Wednesday on

a bill

making it a serious crime for a driver and passenger to switch places after an accident.

The bill was inspired by the death of UNC sports radio reporter Stephen Gates who was killed in 2003 while changing a tire on Interstate 40.

Police say Emily Caveness hit Gates, then switched places with her 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.