In the early morning hours of January 7, 2026, Officer Stephen LaPorta of the Uxbridge Police Department made the ultimate sacrifice while doing what law enforcement officers do every day: helping a motorist in need. His death on icy Route 146 serves as a devastating reminder of the dangers roadside workers face and the critical importance of Massachusetts’ Move Over Law.
The Incident
At approximately 12:40 a.m., Officer LaPorta was outside his cruiser assisting a driver involved in a crash on the northbound side of Route 146 when a tractor-trailer struck him. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by emergency responders, the 43-year-old officer died at the scene.
Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early confirmed that the driver being helped was not injured, and the tractor-trailer driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. No charges have been filed at this point in the ongoing investigation.
The tragedy occurred during treacherous road conditions. Police scanner audio captured an officer describing the highway as “an ice rink” just minutes before the fatal crash, highlighting how freezing rain had created hazardous conditions across Massachusetts that night.
Officer LaPorta leaves behind a wife and a 13-year-old child. He had worked in Mendon for 17 years as a full-time dispatcher and detail officer before joining the Uxbridge Police Department as a full-time officer in June 2024.
Understanding Massachusetts’ Move Over Law
The Massachusetts Move Over Law, outlined in Section 7C of the General Laws, requires drivers to take specific actions when approaching stationary emergency, maintenance, or recovery vehicles with flashing lights on highways.
Under current law, motorists must:
- Proceed with due caution and reduce speed to a safe level for road conditions
- If on a highway with multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, change lanes to provide a buffer between their vehicle and the stationary emergency vehicle (when it is safe and practicable to do so)
Emergency response vehicles covered by the law include fire apparatus, police vehicles, ambulances, disaster vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks.
Violations of the Move Over Law currently carry a $100 fine, though penalties may increase if proposed legislation is enacted.
Pending Expansion of the Move Over Law
In October 2025, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 2642, which would significantly expand the Move Over Law’s protections. The bill, which is currently awaiting action in the House of Representatives, would:
- Extend Move Over Law requirements to utility vehicles and disabled vehicles with flashing lights
- Increase fines to $250 for second offenses and $500 for third and subsequent violations
- Mandate driver education programs for repeat offenders
Senator Brendan Crighton, who sponsored the legislation, explained the need for expansion: “Anyone who’s popped a tire on the side of the road kind of knows that feeling of cars flying by, your car is shaking, really an unsafe position to be in on a busy roadway. Hopefully this can change behavior, keep both our drivers safe but also our law enforcement and first responders and our utility workers as well.”
Implications for Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Claims
Tragedies like Officer LaPorta’s death underscore the real-world consequences of failing to comply with traffic safety laws. From a legal perspective, violations of the Move Over Law can have significant implications for both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.
Personal Injury Claims: When a driver fails to comply with the Move Over Law and causes an accident, that violation can establish negligence per se, meaning the driver’s failure to follow the law is considered evidence of negligence. This can strengthen injury claims for victims and their families, making it easier to demonstrate fault and recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Workers’ Compensation: For workers like Officer LaPorta who are injured or killed while performing roadside duties, Massachusetts workers’ compensation law provides benefits regardless of fault. The families of workers killed on the job may be entitled to death benefits, including compensation for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support for surviving dependents.
However, in cases where a third party (such as a negligent driver) causes the injury or death, victims or their families may also pursue a third-party liability claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. This can provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers.
Winter Driving Safety
Officer LaPorta’s death occurred during hazardous winter conditions, when roads become particularly dangerous for both motorists and roadside workers. Massachusetts drivers should remember:
- Winter weather conditions require extra caution and reduced speeds
- Ice and freezing rain can create “black ice” that is difficult to see
- Always give emergency vehicles and workers plenty of space
- If you must stop on the shoulder, turn on hazard lights and, if possible, wait inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened
- Never assume other drivers see you or will move over
Honoring Officer LaPorta’s Sacrifice
“Officer LaPorta gave his life in service to this community, a sacrifice that we will never forget. In our eyes he is a hero,” said Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy. “This heart-breaking incident reminds us of the risks that law-enforcement officers take every day.”
Governor Maura Healey ordered flags at all state buildings flown at half-staff in Officer LaPorta’s honor, noting that “he knew he was headed into a dangerous situation when he responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash, but like all of our officers do day in and day out, he put the public’s safety first.”
Massachusetts State Representative Michael Soter, who knew Officer LaPorta personally, remembered him as “a gentleman, he was respectful. Family man. He loved his family. He loved his town.”
Moving Forward
As the investigation into Officer LaPorta’s death continues, the Worcester District Attorney’s office is asking any witnesses to come forward with information.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the Move Over Law exists to save lives. Every driver has a responsibility to be aware of and comply with this law. The few seconds it takes to slow down and change lanes can mean the difference between life and death for those working to keep our roads safe.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a roadside accident, or if you have questions about personal injury or workers’ compensation claims, contact our office for a free consultation. We honor the sacrifice of workers like Officer LaPorta by fighting for the rights of those injured in the line of duty.
Attorney Blair E. Weigand — Helping those with legal questions for 35 years and counting.