It’s the law: Move over when passing emergency responders

Published 1:30 am Friday, November 4, 2016

MARYSVILLE — It was a last second jerk of the steering wheel.

Rocky Oliphant, a Washington State Patrol trooper, was parked on the shoulder of I-5. A man he just arrested for driving under the influence sat in the backseat. The tow truck was loading the driver’s car, so Oliphant waited.

About a quarter mile back, a semi truck drifted onto the shoulder. The rear-view mirror gave Oliphant a head-on shot of the truck barreling toward him.

“I thought I would have to drive into the ditch,” he said.

With seconds to spare, the semi pulled back on to the road.

Trooper-involved collisions swelled in 2015, with a total of 33 collisions and 16 injuries. As a comparison, there were 25 collisions and seven injuries reported in the year prior.

The state’s Move Over law is intended to protect against these accidents.

The WSP conducted emphasis patrols late last month focusing specifically on this law. It requires drivers to move over one lane when passing an emergency zone. The zone is defined as the 200 feet preceding and following an emergency response vehicle, as well as the adjacent lanes.

“Standing inches from the road with cars going 60 isn’t the most comfortable feeling,” Oliphant said.

If a driver can’t safely change lanes, they must slow down. Fines double for those who exceed the designated speed limit in emergency zones.

The State Patrol stopped 4,216 drivers for Move Over law violations last year.

Some drivers don’t see the flashing lights in time. Many simply aren’t aware of the law.

Emphasis patrols cater more toward informing drivers than issuing the $214 citations.

Reasons for the recent uptick in trooper-involved collisions vary, Oliphant said. Distracted driving and driving under the influence are typically factors.

Wet roads are another big contributor. With the onset of the rainy season, WSP sees more trooper-involved collisions.

Oliphant has patrolled the I-5 corridor for almost 10 years. Knowing the dangers, he has found ways to ensure his safety, as well as the safety of other drivers.

He tries to wait until there is a wide shoulder to pull over a driver. When parking, he angles the sport utility vehicle diagonally to face the rear left corner of the vehicle in front of him. If another car rear-ends his SUV, this position will minimize the damage to the vehicle in front of him and the chance of injury.

These precautionary actions have become habit. He asks that drivers make the Move Over law a habit, as well.

Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.