OLYMPIA — The State Patrol is conducting a special emphasis patrol today through Thursday to make drivers more aware of a law requiring them to move over or slow down when passing an emergency zone.
Troopers, including those in Clallam and Jefferson counties, will write tickets and stop drivers to educate them about the law, said Sgt. J. Paul Cagle, State Patrol spokesman, in a news release.
The fine is $214, he said.
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 his or her vehicle.
Between 2007 and 2014, a total of 212 State Patrol vehicles have been struck while conducting traffic stops or providing motorist assistance, Cagle said.
Three troopers and several residents have been injured in collisions over the past seven years as a result of vehicles either striking the trooper or a parked emergency vehicle, he said.
Emergency vehicles include police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance who are making use of hazard lights.
In 2014, State Patrol troopers stopped more than 4,000 violators of the law, Cagle said.