TRI-CITIES DRIVERS NOT MOVING OVER FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES

It is a Washington State law that troopers say people are not following and could potentially become deadly. The Move Over Law requires drivers to get to the far left when they are passing an emergency vehicle that is pulled over on the side of the road.

On Highway 395 Wednesday evening in Kennewick drivers were not pulling over when a Washington State Trooper had his vehicle parked on the side of the road with its lights flashing. State Trooper Chris Thorson said this is a safety problem. He said a lot of drivers do not realize it is a law and others are preoccupied with their radio or cell phone.

The state law has been in effect for over a year. It requires drivers to move to the left when emergency vehicles are on the side of the road and if that is not possible drivers are required to slow down significantly.

Troopers said there are so many violators that it would be impossible to write tickets for everyone breaking the law.

Now there is legislation expected to pass that would also included tow trucks and roadside assistance vehicles.