Horrific moment cop is mowed down by drink-driver on hard shoulder as he pulled car over leaving him with 15 broken bones

THIS is the shocking moment a drunk driver hit a policeman as he carried out a traffic stop.

Michael Cokins, an Illinois State Trooper, was hit with such force he flew over the bonnet of the car he had stopped, smashing into the tarmac - and suffering 15 broken bones.

After hitting Cokins, cuplrit Leslie Thurow failed to stop - and continued speeding down the motorway before hitting another car, which was carrying a family of four.

The family's car flipped onto its roof as a result of the crash, and all four passenger were hospitalised.

Thurow has now been jailed for 13 years over the incident, which occurred in September 2014.

Police found the 61-year-old's blood alcohol level was double the legal limit - and she had previously had her licence suspended for drink driving.

Conkins, who had eight operations following the crash, needed 17 months of therapy before he was able to return to work on May 1 this year.

Police Director Leo P. Schmitz said: "Drinking and driving is a dangerous choice that can lead to deadly consequences.

"Driving under the influence is never a good option and can be very costly both financially and criminally.

"Always designate a driver before consuming alcohol."