A South Carolina state trooper is recovering in the hospital after being hit by a vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 77.

Trooper Mitchell Williams Jr. was struck near mile marker 9 by a driver later identified as Alex Bookert, who has been charged with driving under the influence and endangering emergency services personnel.

The crash comes just weeks after Trooper Dennis D. Ricks was killed in a separate vehicle strike, raising concerns about roadside safety for law enforcement officers.

John E. “JJ” Jones, executive director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, said the back-to-back incidents are unusual.

“I would agree that it’s trending, because it’s two — we don’t usually have two this quick together. That’s not normal in our state,” Jones said.

Jones, a former officer with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, said he was once struck by a car while directing traffic after a basketball game on Assembly Street.

“The car came too close and knocked the wand out of my hand. I didn’t go to the hospital, they just hit me and that was it,” he said.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, nine law enforcement officers nationwide have been killed in vehicle strikes so far this year.

Roadside dangers extend beyond law enforcement. Hannah Robinson, media relations manager for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, said DOT workers also face frequent risks while working on highways.

“A large number of them were hit while working on the side of the road,” Robinson said. “Safety is our number one priority at SCDOT, and we are constantly doing everything we can to keep our roadside workers safe.”

Robinson said the department provides specialized training and installs warning signs to help protect workers.