Move Over Law emphasis starts today

OLYMPIA — Chief John R. Batiste announced the Washington State Patrol will conduct an emphasis patrol state-wide beginning today, Oct. 27, to Thursday, Oct. 29, to bring increased awareness to the Move Over Law.

Between 2007 and 2014, 212 WSP vehicles have been struck while conducting traffic stops or providing motorist assistance, Batiste said. Three troopers and multiple citizens have been injured in collisions over the last seven years, as a result of vehicles either striking the trooper or a parked emergency vehicle.

According to the Move Over Law, drivers approaching an emergency zone are required to either move over to another lane in the same direction, if it is safe to do so.

If a driver is unable to move over safely, he or she should proceed with caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle.

Emergency vehicles include police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance, making use of hazard lights.

This is a nationwide problem, Batiste said. In 2014, WSP troopers stopped more than 4,000 violators of the Move Over Law.