Holiday Safety on Highways
Move Over & Slow Down for Emergency Vehicles
by Wyoming Highway Patrol
November 21, 2007
(Cheyenne) – The Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists traveling on Wyoming roadways this holiday season to be extremely cautious when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.
Not only is slowing down and or moving over the law in Wyoming it is the wisest and safest thing to do. More than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed since 1997 after being struck by vehicles along America's highways, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Whenever motorists traveling in Wyoming see an emergency vehicle stopped on the Interstate with its lights flashing the motorist is required to move over to the lane farthest from the emergency vehicle. When driving on a two lane roadway the motorist shall slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit while passing the stopped emergency vehicle.
Motorists approaching the scene of a crash should be aware that the roadway may be blocked in front of them and that law enforcement officers, first responders, tow truck operators and other emergency personnel may be working out within the roadway or their lane of travel.
Forty states have passed “Move Over” laws, which require motorists to “Move Over” and change lanes to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers on roadsides. The main goal is the safety of the emergency workers who must perform their duties along the roadside.
In Wyoming, violations of the “Move Over” law are punishable by a fine of up to $200.00 and/or 20 days in jail. The law went into effect July 1st, 2001.
Fallen Officers struck by vehicles (nationwide):
1997: 15
1998: 15
1999: 10
2000: 16
2001: 24
2002: 14
2003: 13
2004: 13
2005: 16
2006: 15
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TOTAL: 151
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