MOVE OVER OR GET A TICKET
State police are warning all drivers to move over and get out of the way. State police say not enough of us are doing it, so they're taking action to protect their lives and yours. Troopers say this is a problem in Virginia and North Carolina.
"It's a $250 fine," said North Carolina State Trooper, C.H. Allison. "A $100 court cost and a $370 citation." As you drive into North Carolina the sign says it all: move over for emergency vehicles. "There's been times when I had a car stopped, that the cars have been so close to me I can feel them breeze by," added Trooper Allison.
Trooper Allison's job includes looking for speeders and drunk drivers. A dangerous job, but the real danger comes when he's got a car pulled over.
Both North Carolina and Virginia have what's called the "Move Over Law". Officers in both states say drivers just aren't moving over.
"It moves our safety standard up to a whole new level," added Trooper Allison. "Now I can't completely concentrate on the violator. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder." In 2006 a Virginia State trooper was hit and killed while conducting a routine traffic stop. Trooper Robert Hill died after being struck by a car that didn't move over. And that's why troopers take the law so seriously.
"If something as simple as moving over could save a life, let's do it," said Trooper Allison. Traffic stop cameras catch driver after driver not moving over and some get caught. In North Carolina the ticket will cost you $370. A steep fine, but troopers will tell you it's worth every penny.
"I don't want to get hit," added Trooper Allison. "I want to go home at the end of my shift, to my wife and kids.
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