WHP 5-24-17
The Wyoming Highway Patrol will be participating in a national safety campaign on May 26th to bring awareness to the dangers first responders face in the performance of their duties at roadside. Since 2008, 1,970 crashes have occurred in Wyoming involving first responder and roadway service vehicles (law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and snow plows).
This upcoming “Move Over” safety campaign initiative was put in motion by the Virginia State Police in advance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. WHP Colonel Kebin Haller was more than happy to have the Wyoming Highway Patrol join in the campaign as 12 WHP vehicles have been struck while stopped at roadside since 2016. This number does not include WHP vehicles that were intentionally struck in events such as a vehicle pursuit.
Wyoming Statute 31-5-224 states when an authorized emergency vehicle making use of any visual signals is parked, the driver of every other vehicle, as soon as it is safe:
– When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two (2) or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, shall merge into the lane farthest from the emergency vehicle, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
– When driving on a two (2) lane road, shall slow to a speed that is twenty (20) miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
A violation of this law can result in a $220 citation.
Wyoming has had a Slow Down / Move Over law in place since 2001.
To bring awareness to the campaign, WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Patrol will be utilizing Variable Message Signs on state highways and the WHP will be posting about the campaign on social media utilizing the hashtag #MoveOver17.