The Washington State Patrol and emergency workers are partnering with 911 driving schools to teach new drivers about the emergency zone law. A trooper will appear at the school to explain the law to students and the information will be added into the study program.
Trooper Ron Tuggle, who is working to educate drivers about the importance of the emergency zone law said, “It’s a way to get the message out to the young drivers while they are learning how to drive”.
The 911 driving school, Maple Valley Towing, Department of Transportation, Kent Fire, City of Covington, King County Sheriffs, and Washington State Patrol partnered for an educational poster sponsored by the King County Sheriff’s office to show the many types of emergency workers affected by the law.
As of Jan. 1 Washington emergency zone law enhanced from an earlier “move over” law and created zones around emergency workers similar to constructions zones. Under the new law, the fine doubled if you’re speeding or fail to move over when passing through the emergency zone. The fine for failure to move over when safe to do so is $248 and speed fines are double the standard speed fine.
Driving behavior that endangers an emergency worker is a crime. The motorist could be charged with a gross misdemeanor with possible jail time and a mandatory sixty day license suspension. Compliance is simple, ease off the gas and ease to the left if it’s safe.
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