New laws urge drivers to get out of the way

WSP, others to start ticketing unyielding motorists

COLUMBIA BASIN —With lights flashing on the roadside, troopers have always encouraged drivers to give them extra room. Now not yielding could cost those motorists a few extra dollars.

A new law passed by the legislature earlier this year now requires motorists to change lanes and get out of the way of police and other emergency vehicles that have stopped for incidents on the side of the road with their lights on.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Rich Magnussen said troopers have been issuing mostly warnings since the law went into effect in July, primarily because most drivers don't know about the new law.

"A lot of motorists did it already," Magnussen said, "but now it's required by law."

Magnussen pointed to the importance of the new law, citing the fact that 46 percent of WSP troopers killed in the line of duty have died while responding to a call for service or on a traffic stop.

The law only applies to vehicles that travel on roadways with at least two lanes in each direction, so Magnussen said western Washington roadways will likely see the majority of ticket issues. Columbia Basin drivers would need to heed to the plan on Interstate 90, and on certain sections of other roadways like Highway 17.

The change is designed to make conditions safer for emergency personnel doing their duty, Magnussen said. He added that if traffic won't allow motorists to change lanes, they should use caution when passing emergency workers on the roadside.

"If they can't because of traffic, the law requires them to pass with due care," Magnussen said.

WSP troopers have been issuing warnings, but Magnussen said failure to adhere could cost drivers a $101 ticket. Fines have also been increased for drivers who don't clear the roadway or intersection for police or fire trucks on their way to a call. Motorists had already been required by law to pull over for passing patrol cars and ambulances, and not getting out of the way will now cost drivers $500 in a citation.

The fine is one Grant County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy John Turley said officers can write a ticket for, but he admitted that can be difficult for deputies responding to an emergency situation.

But Turley said that when drivers don't move, it makes it tougher for officers to respond quickly. He said that the stiffer monetary penalty could make it a little tougher on those drivers who just don't get out of the way.