State Patrol's 'Slow Down, Move Over' emphasis begins today
Washington State Patrol/courtesy photo The Washington State Patrol knows first-hand how a violation of the state's "Move Over Law" can end and the patrol's weekend emphasis is aiming to educate the public about the law.
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol is conducting a statewide “Slow Down, Move Over” emphasis over the weekend.
The emphasis will run today through Monday and aims to bring awareness to Washington’s “Move Over Law.” The law, which was initially written to address vehicles approaching emergency zones, but was recently updated to include work zones, requires vehicles approach emergency/work zones with caution, slow down and, if safe, move over or change lanes.
Emergency/work zones include 200 feet before and after the emergency or work zone vehicle. If both lanes are traveling in the same direction, drivers are urged to move into the left lane. Violators of the law face a $214 penalty, which the patrol says “cannot be waived or reduced.” In 2017 alone the WSP contacted 3,836 drivers who violated the law.
“Summer is here and more people will be out on the roads traveling and enjoying the weather. The Washington State Patrol would like to remind drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency lights. It’s safe and it’s the law,” the patrol said in a press release.
During the last three years 86 patrol cars were struck by drivers who didn't move over, leaving 32 troopers injured.