Community Corner

State Trooper Jackie Kline, Hit by Car While Helping at Traffic Stop, Inspires Many

Do you know the rest of the story on Kline's recovery? Check out our blogger spotlight.

A Maryland State Trooper who was injured in October during a traffic stop has inspired many to take action in the form of a recent 5K benefit and a stepped-up effort by police to increase awareness about the Move Over law.

Trooper Jacqueline "Jackie" Kline was hit in Anne Arundel County on Oct. 6 as she assisted another trooper on a traffic stop on Route 100 in Pasadena.

To raise money to help Kline with expenses related to her recovery, about 800 runners participated in the 5K for JK on Nov. 10 in Sykesville. In his blog post on Patch, Kevin E. Dayhoff included photos and wrote about participating in the event. Click here to see the blog and more photos from the 5K for JK.

"Trooper Kline is known as an outstanding athlete and a passionate runner," according to a Maryland State Police press release. "She was part of the Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics while a recruit in the State Police Academy."

Dayhoff wrote in his blog: "At opening ceremonies for 5K at the training academy Saturday morning, which included Nashville recording artist Ashley Forrest singing the National Anthem, it was said that Kline recently left the Shock Trauma center and been moved to a rehabilitation facility where she continues to recover faster than expected." 

After Kline's injury, Maryland State Police targeted enforcement around the Move Over law in October. Yet, some residents don't realize it’s not a rumor but an actual law in the state under which drivers can be fined if they don’t carefully pass police and first responders on the roadway.

"It is common sense/common courtesy to give space to any vehicle stopped on the side of the road," wrote CM on Patch. "Moving over also increases the visibility of the stopped vehicle for vehicles following behind you, allowing those following further back to respond sooner. This is yet another unfortunate circumstance where common sense has to be legally enforced as a last resort."

TELL US: Do you think the law is enough to ensure the safety of personnel working on Maryland roads? Do you heed the law? Leave a comment to let us know.

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