LUGOFF, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say a deputy has been released from the hospital hours after being struck by a SUV driver looking at his cellphone while speeding through a South Carolina school zone.
Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan said the driver was going 40 mph when he hit deputy Chelsea Cockrell about 7:10 a.m. Thursday outside Lugoff Elementary School.
Boan posted video on Facebook showing Cockrell directing traffic in a reflective jacket and waving reflective batons when she was hit. She braces herself a moment before the impact on state Highway 34.
The speed limit for the school zone is 25 mph.
WATCH VIDEO HERE (WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT)
“This was an eye opening incident that could have ended a lot worse. This needs to be a wake up call to everyone out there who is willing to put their conveniency over safety.”
– Sheriff Lee Boan “
Boan says the SUV driver told people at the scene he was looking at his cellphone and didn’t see the deputy. The Highway Patrol is investigating.