A Bedford cop was struck by a alleged drunk driver during a routine motor vehicle stop.

Officer Christopher Storti suffered minor injuries when Brian E. Carr, 33, of Bedford skimmed against Storti, taking out the side mirror of his cruiser.

Storti had another vehicle pulled over on South River Road near the intersection of Cedarwood Drive when Carr, travelling southbound in a 2001 Mercury Cougar, hit him.

Storti was taken to Catholic Medical Center and was released after being treated.

Bedford Sgt. Kyle Thrasher, who was also at the scene as a back up, went after Carr and pulled him over less than 1 mile from the accident.

Carr is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and conduct after an accident.

Bedford Police Captain Daniel Douidi said Storti is out of work for a few days, but is doing OK.

New Hampshire is one of 43 states in the country who have enacted some version of what is commonly called a “Move Over Law,” which sprang out of a national campaign to protect police officers, emergency responders and public safety workers.

New Hampshire’s “Move Over Law” has been in place since 2005, but was recently amended to include protection for highway workers and tow truck drivers. The legislature approved the amended law on June 6, 2008 and officially took effect Aug. 5.

The law now says that motorists have to move over a lane when passing public safety vehicles on the side of the road with amber lights as well as those with blue and red lights.

“Slowing down and moving away from the scene of a roadside incident should be common sense, but not enough drivers do it,” said John J. Barthelmes, commissioner of safety. “These additions to the ‘Move Over’ law will provide protection to a larger group of emergency responders and members of the public.”

The law also states that motorists must vacate any lane that is blocked or partially blocked, reduce their speed and obey any authorized public safety personnel directing traffic near a roadside incident.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, 144 police officers throughout the U.S. were killed after being struck during roadside stops between 1995 and 2006.

“We always ask people to be cautious when they see emergency vehicles,” Douidi said. “When you see blue lights ahead, obviously slow down.”

The only states currently without “Move Over Laws” are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Nebraska and Hawaii.

Carr was arraigned on his charges in Merrimack District Court on Tuesday, Sept. 2.