The Washington State Patrol is partnering with the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Towing and Recovery Association of Washington and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to conduct a “Move Over, Slow Down” campaign that began in March and will continue through April.
The emphasis patrols have been focusing on educating drivers about the importance of a law requiring motorists to move over or slow down when approaching emergency or work zones. Under the law, motorists approaching an emergency zone or work zone are required to move over one lane, if possible, or slow down by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. An emergency zone includes the 200 feet of roadway prior to and after the incident or area of work. It means slowing for police, fire crews, and ambulance crews in addition to tow trucks and work crews which have vehicles with audible or visual signal – like transportation department work vehicles and tow trucks with flashing red and/or amber lights.
Now through Saturday, troopers in southeastern Washington will be conducting emphasis patrols in the area as part of the statewide campaign.
