'Move Over, Slow Down' Patrols Kick Off This Weekend Across WA

OLYMPIA, WA — Several agencies across Puget Sound are teaming up through April for the state's "Move Over, Slow Down" campaign, designed to remind drivers of the rules of the road when they are navigating around work zones or emergency scenes.

Washington State Patrol will join the Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Towing Recovery Association of Washington starting this weekend and continuing through next month.

Part of the initiative includes WSP troopers conducting emphasis patrols in all districts to remind drivers of the law, which requires them to move over or slow down in emergency or work zones. Specifically, the law stipulates that drivers move at least one lane over, if possible, or slow down to at least 10 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. The requirement covers 200 feet before and after emergency scenes and work zones.

"Our emergency responders and highway workers need your help to keep them safe," said WSP Chief John Batiste. "Choosing to move over or slow down allows them to do their job of helping others in need and continuing their work ensuring our roadways are safe for the great people of our state."

While most drivers understand and follow the rules around emergency scenes, WSP said some need reminders "Move Over, Slow Down" laws also apply to areas with tow trucks or work crews with flashing lights, and around WSDOT crews performing maintenance, responding to crashes and doing other roadside work.

"When your office is roadside with drivers traveling past at high speeds, every inch county, and even a small reduction in speed can make a lifesaving difference," said Emily Wade, TRAW's administrative director. "Weigh the risk and you will find that slowing down and moving over is not a choice, it's a law, and an obligation that we all need to abide by."

Emphasis patrols are planned for every corner of the state through April, starting with Pierce County on March 10, Southwest Washington on March 12, and King County on March 21.