Virginia police crack down on move-over violators

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Michelle Cotton says a trooper has been hit by a passing vehicle every month since April.

The Associated Press

8/20/2008

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — State police are looking for motorists who pass stopped emergency vehicles.

The crackdown follows a series of accidents in which passing vehicles hit and injured troopers.

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Michelle Cotton says a trooper has been hit by a passing vehicle every month since April.

On July 26, two troopers were injured in separate accidents while working on a traffic safety initiative.

Cotten says Virginia's move-over law requires motorists to move into another lane or slow down when they see a stopped emergency vehicle. Violators face a $2,500 fine or up to 12 months in jail.

Besides enforcement efforts, state police are talking with military personnel in Hampton Roads who might not be aware of the law.