Give WSP troopers room to work

The Washington State Patrol reminds motorists to move over to give troopers room as they work along area highways.

BREMERTON — The Washington State Patrol reminds motorists to move over to give troopers room as they work along area highways.

Between 2007 and 2014, 212 WSP vehicles have been struck while conducting traffic stops or providing motorist assistance. Three troopers and multiple residents have been injured in collisions over the last seven years, as a result of vehicles either striking the trooper or a parked emergency vehicle.

According to the “Move Over Law,” RCW 46.61.212, drivers approaching an emergency zone are required to either move over to another lane in the same direction, if it is safe to do so, or if a driver is unable to move over safely, proceed with caution and reduce the speed of their vehicle.

Emergency vehicles include police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance, making use of hazard lights.