“Slow Down, Move Over” emphasis patrol starts today

OLYMPIA — The State Patrol will conduct a statewide “Slow Down, Move Over” emphasis patrol today through Friday to bring awareness to a law that directs drivers to slow and, if possible, change lanes when approaching emergency zones.

An emergency vehicle includes police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance that are making use of warning lights.

An emergency zone is the adjacent lane of the roadway, and includes two hundred feet before and after the emergency vehicle.

In the past two years, 62 patrol cars have been hit and 24 troopers injured. That’s an average of one trooper injured every month.

The state’s RCW 46.61.212 – Approaching Emergency Zones is the “Move Over Law.” It requires that vehicles approaching an emergency zone should proceed with caution, slow down and if safe move over or changes lanes.

If there are two lanes going in the same direction, move completely into the left lane.

The penalty is $214 and cannot be waived or reduced.

The State Patrol contacted 4,175 drivers for the move over violation in 2016.

A rise in the number of patrol cars hit is often seen in inclement weather, the State Patrol said.

More in News

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris to her grandson, Damien Millet, 9, after it was located with a metal detector and dug from the sand at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles on Wednesday. They were combing the beach in search of whatever hidden treasures they could find. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Beach combing

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris… Continue reading

Six Peninsula school measures passing

Sequim voters approve bond, levy

Port Townsend, Chimacum pass school levies

Funds will support facilities, supplies, transportation

Counties can collect up to $1.80 of property tax per $1,000 of assessed value, but they are only allowed to increase their property tax collection amount by 1 percent each year, excluding new construction, without voter approval.
Clallam already eyeing 2026 cuts

If county can’t raise revenue, it may cut employees, services

Port Angeles School Board to conduct community conversation

Port Angeles School Board members will be available to… Continue reading

After-school art program returns to Stevens Middle School

Let’s Make Art, a free after-school program at Stevens… Continue reading

Department of Licensing offices to be closed

PORT ANGELES – The Department of Licensing office of the Clallam County… Continue reading

Voters approving all Peninsula school measures

Sequim bond passing with required supermajority

KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
Clallam County election workers Neva Miller, right, and Debbie Kracht, both of Sequim, open election ballots on Tuesday at the courthouse in Port Angeles.
Ballot sorting in Port Angeles

Clallam County election workers Neva Miller, right, and Debbie Kracht, both of… Continue reading

Jefferson County board to select interim sheriff

Chosen candidate will serve until next election

State funding challenges dominate legislative conversations

Multiple bills may have local relevance

PA’s Platypus Marine looks to expansion

Growth benefits local economy