Troopers cracking down on drivers who don't move over for emergency vehicles

In hopes of reducing the number of patrol cars hit each year, Washington State Patrol troopers will spend the weekend ticketing drivers who don't move over for emergency vehicles.

"For some of us, the highways serve as our office," the agency said. "Please do your part to get everyone home safe."

The "Move Over" emphases will be Friday through Sunday.

State law says drivers should slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle parked with its lights flashing. That includes police, firefighters, medical crews, tow trucks and other roadside assistance vehicles.

Five troopers have already been injured this year, according to the State Patrol.

Since 2015, 32 troopers have been injured and 86 patrol cars struck by passing drivers.

More than 4,100 drivers were stopped for violating the "move over" law in 2016.

Tickets are $214 and the penalty cannot be waived or reduced.

This story was originally published June 20, 2018 at 4:42 PM with the headline "Troopers cracking down on drivers who don't move over for emergency vehicles."