Close Call Prompts Loudoun Sheriff’s Office to Remind Motorists of Move Over/Slow Down Law

A Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office cruiser was struck by a passing motorist Tuesday night while a deputy was conducting a traffic stop on Route 28. Fortunately no one was injured in the crash. As a result of the incident, however, the driver of the vehicle that caused the crash, a 16-year-old female from Springfield, Va., was charged with failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.

The incident has prompted the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office to take the time to remind motorists of the Move-Over/Slow Down Law.

Section § 46.2-921.1 of the Code of Virginia requires drivers to move-over one lane, if possible, whenever an emergency vehicle on the side of the road displays emergency lights. And, if traffic is too congested to move-over safely, the law requires drivers to simply slow down, below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop.

Virginia implemented the Move Over/Slow Down law in 2002. In Virginia, the law is a Class 1 misdemeanor. By not following the law, you face possible jail time, and a $2500 fine.

Unfortunately, many motorists are unfamiliar with the law and are unaware that each time an officer makes a traffic stop, it’s one of the gravest dangers law enforcement can face on the road today. More than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed since 1999 after being struck by vehicles along America's highways.

When you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with its emergency lights on, slow down, change lanes and save lives.

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