BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A Berkeley County sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized after being struck while working a traffic detail on Interstate 26, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the crash happened earlier Monday while the deputy was assisting Banks Construction crews along the highway. The deputy, whose name has not been released, suffered injuries in the collision and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The deputy is expected to recover.
The driver, identified by the South Carolina Highway Patrol as Jose Maria Zuniga, was arrested at the scene and now faces multiple charges.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office called the crash “100% preventable,” pointing to South Carolina’s “Move Over Law.” The law requires drivers to switch lanes if possible—or significantly slow down—when approaching emergency vehicles, construction workers, tow trucks, or utility crews with flashing lights.
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“When you fail to move over, you put lives at risk,” the sheriff’s office said. “Those at risk aren’t just law enforcement, but also construction crews, first responders, and every motorist traveling our roadways.”
Officials stressed that the incident underscores the dangers faced by roadside workers and urged drivers to remain alert. “A few seconds of caution could save someone’s life,” the sheriff’s office said.
The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
