Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
March 30, 2011
Contact:
Lieutenant Kandi Patrick
Phone:
(509) 682-8103
E-mail:
Kandi.Patrick@wsp.wa.gov
Wenatchee Wild Hockey Team Supports Emergency Workers in Reminding You
"Slow Down or Move Over, It's The Law"
The NAHL Wenatchee Wild Hockey Team partnered with local law enforcement and emergency workers in Wenatchee to remind you that every day, law enforcement officers and emergency workers put their lives on the line to save ours.
For the first 90 days since the Emergency Zone Law went into effect on January 1, 2011, the main focus for the Washington State Patrol was to educate motorists about the new law. Starting April 1, 2011, State Patrol troopers will now begin writing tickets to motorists who fail to slow down or move over when passing stationary emergency vehicles on the side of the highway.
The state’s enhanced Emergency Zone law (RCW 46.61.212) was built on an earlier "move over" law and creates 200-foot zone around stationary emergency vehicles that have their lights activated. The emergency vehicles include police cars, fire and emergency medical service vehicles, tow trucks and state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) vehicles. Under the law, the fine will double if you’re speeding or fail to move over when passing through the emergency zone. If you drive in a manner as to endanger any emergency worker you could be charged with Reckless Endangerment.
