Se Habla Espanol
Hablamos Español
Slow Down Move Over isn’t just a courtesy, it’s THE LAW.
Please help our Tow Truck drivers make it home every night.
According to RCW 46.61. 212, The Move Over Law requires Washington State drivers to move over one lane, if possible, AND slow down to 10 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching roadside work area, including for police, fire, paramedics, tow trucks, maintenance workers and other road crews.
The law was created to protect members of law enforcement, fire personnel and tow truck operators. Washington drivers who fail to do so face a $214 ticket that cannot be waived or reduced.
Last year, 113 Washington State Patrol vehicles were hit while they were at a traffic stop or crash scene. Several troopers had injuries that were serious enough to keep them off the job while they recovered.
It’s not just tow providers and other emergency responders being killed on the side of interstates, freeways, expressways and highways. From 2015 through 2019, more than 1,600 people have been struck and killed while outside of a disabled vehicle, 22 in Washington, 7 in Idaho. The reality is that drivers are increasingly distracted while driving. Previous AAA Foundation research has found that drivers are up to four times as likely to crash if they are talking on a cell phone while driving and up to eight times as likely to be in a crash if texting.
“This law is of the utmost importance for those that are out on the roadways every day investigating collisions, helping disabled vehicles and clearing the roadways to maintain safe travel,” WSP said in a news release.
According to the Move Over Law, RCW 46.61.212, 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, or if a driver is unable to move over safely, proceed with caution and reduce the speed of their vehicle. Emergency vehicles include police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance, making use of hazard lights.
The goal of this month’s Slow Down Move Over emphasis is to remind drivers of the law. If you see police, fire, medical, tow trucks or vehicles providing roadside assistance, making use of hazard lights, move over or slowdown.
“All of our emergency responders, from those who assist disabled vehicles to those who provide lifesaving care to crash victims, risk their lives on the side of our roads every day,” said WTSC Director Shelly Baldwin. “They deserve to be protected, too. It’s easy for drivers to move over or slow down when approaching people or flashing lights on the road ahead. You can prevent another tragedy when you do.”
Article Links:
https://getjerry.com/driving/washington-move-over-law#what-are-the-move-over-laws-in-washington