Officer's widow seeks higher move-over violation penalties

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The widow of a North Carolina police officer killed while investigating a car crash is urging legislators to increase penalties for motorists who don't move over a lane or slow down for flashing emergency lights.

Leah Quick of Lumberton spoke Tuesday to a Senate committee that approved legislation raising the seriousness of crimes for people who violate the state's "move over" law. The measure now goes to another panel.

Lumberton Officer Jason Quick died in December when police say a passing car struck him as he tried to walk across the highway. The case remains under investigation.

The proposal would increase a basic violation from a traffic infraction to a misdemeanor.