CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Channel 9 has video of cars and tractor-trailers speeding by tow trucks and stranded drivers on the side of Charlotte’s busiest interstates.
State troopers said it’s not only dangerous, but could be deadly.
A local tow truck driver gave Channel 9 anchor Blaine Tolison the video that shows just how close speeding vehicles come to stranded drivers.
Richard Bourgeois fears for his safety so much that he gave Tolison the video of his dangerous encounters on the job.
"If I can make it home to my daughter every night, it's been a good day." Bourgeois said.
He’s gone out of his way to protect himself, spending his own money on extra caution lights to warn drivers.
He even bought his own body camera to capture the dangers of his job.
"That could cost a tow truck driver his life. People not paying attention. People texting and drinking that cup of coffee,” Bourgeois said.
Other road workers and state troopers face the same danger and some pay the ultimate price.
North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper Scott Powell had his own close call.
"I was walking back to my car one day and a car didn't move over and their side view mirror grazed my shirt and that spooked me quite a bit,” Powell said.
Troopers said as more people move to Charlotte, the problem will only get worse.
Drivers not paying attention or congestion prevents them from getting over. For that reason, state troopers often respond to emergencies in pairs so one can go after those who break the law.
"If they can't move over, then just slow down because we're looking at you,” Powell said.
"We're all first responders, just take that extra second to slow down or merge over for us,” Bourgeois said.
Violating the move over law is a $250 fine. Drivers can also face court costs.
The Move Over law also applies to emergency workers including firefighters, paramedics and tow truck drivers.