N. TX police department uses drone to show dangers of traffic stops

A string of crashes involving officers has a North Texas police department using a drone to show how a routine traffic stop could turn deadly.

With the help of a resident's drone, Cedar Hill police re-enacted a traffic stop.

Video from the drone shows that cars and the officer are separated by a distance where a distracted driver could easily cause injury or death.

The campaign is in response to several close calls in North Texas, including when a semi recently rammed into the side of a Grand Prairie police car. Additionally, a speeding car recently collided with an Irving officer's motorcycle, which grazed him.

The drone video is now being shared by departments all over the country.

The law says drivers must move over to an open lane to give an officer space during a stop.

If there isn't one, drivers are required to slow down 20mph under the speed limit.