Virginia State Police want to remind drivers what to do when they see lights – #MoveOver.
The “Move Over” law was designed to protect public safety professionals and highway workers.
Drivers are required to change to another travel lane or, when unable to change lanes, cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. The law also includes highway maintenance vehicles and tow trucks equipped with flashing amber lights.
Nationwide, 128 law enforcement officers were struck by vehicles while conducting traffic stops, assisting motorists, directing traffic or otherwise working at the roadside from 2005 to 2016, police said in a news release.
Last year, five Virginia State Police troopers were injured after being involved in crashes in which drivers failed to “Move Over.” Nationwide, 15 officers were struck and killed outside their vehicles.
“Every day first responders and highway workers knowingly take on the dangerous task of working along the roadside to assist motorists or improve our highways,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent.
“We’re asking drivers to help protect those men and women by doing what’s right when they see flashing red, blue or amber lights – Move Over or Slow Down. It’s the law, and it could save a life.”
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