Crackdown on violators of move-over law

Drivers who see flashing lights on the side of the road in the coming months are being urged to pay special attention to the state's move-over law, State Police Capt. David Candelaria said Wednesday.

Over the next several months, troopers will "significantly step up enforcement" of the law, which requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid hitting an authorized emergency vehicle that is parked, stopped or standing with its emergency lights activated, Candelaria said in a news release.

"We are vigorously enforcing this law, for our safety and the safety of all emergency workers," he said.

The Ambrose-Searles Move Over Law took effect Jan. 1 and is designed to provide a safer environment for law enforcement officers and emergency personnel responding to calls on roads.

Drivers must reduce speed when encountering police and emergency vehicles. On parkways, interstate highways, and other controlled-access highways with multiple lanes, drivers must move over one lane if possible.

Candelaria asked "all motorists to voluntarily obey the law so that our troopers and emergency workers are better protected while performing their duties."

He said in the statement that a little more caution and courtesy by drivers would increase the safety of emergency personnel.

Citing the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the release said more than 160 officers have been struck by vehicles and killed while performing their duties on roadways since 1999.

A violation is punishable by a fine of $250 to $400, plus an $85 surcharge, or up to 30 days in jail, or both fines and jail for a first offense. Additionally, two points will be assigned to motorist's driving record.

On Saturday, a driver struck and hurt a Long Beach motorcycle cop as the officer was giving another driver a ticket, authorities said.