Move over!

Cloud · 02-23-2010, 10:11 PM

I'm confused about the left/right thing (as always). The video says you are supposed to move away from the emergency vehicle. So, if they are on the left (next to the median), you're supposed to move right. Right?

Also, it only applies to police (fire, ambulance)?

The accident today involved two cars near the median, and a third car who stopped to help (and this person was killed).

glatt · 02-24-2010, 08:13 AM

I found the text of the Virginia law and it says you should move over "if reasonable" and only if you can do it safely, and if you can't move over, you should "proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions."

The words "proceed" and "maintain" are not legally defined, as far as I know, but to me they don't mean slow down. They mean continue at the same speed.

It's interesting to me, because the penalty is higher than most other states. (1 year in jail and $2500) but the wording is very weak. Almost as if their intention was to raise awareness without actually convicting anyone.

xoxoxoBruce · 02-24-2010, 08:25 AM

If an accident does happen, that VA law would insure they could prosecute for something, rather than the person just walking away.

02-23-2010, 10:11 PM	#1
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	I'm confused about the left/right thing (as always). The video says you are supposed to move away from the emergency vehicle. So, if they are on the left (next to the median), you're supposed to move right. Right? Also, it only applies to police (fire, ambulance)? The accident today involved two cars near the median, and a third car who stopped to help (and this person was killed). __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

02-24-2010, 08:13 AM	#2
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	I found the text of the Virginia law and it says you should move over "if reasonable" and only if you can do it safely, and if you can't move over, you should "proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions." The words "proceed" and "maintain" are not legally defined, as far as I know, but to me they don't mean slow down. They mean continue at the same speed. It's interesting to me, because the penalty is higher than most other states. (1 year in jail and $2500) but the wording is very weak. Almost as if their intention was to raise awareness without actually convicting anyone. Last edited by glatt; 02-24-2010 at 08:50 AM.

02-24-2010, 08:25 AM	#3
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	If an accident does happen, that VA law would insure they could prosecute for something, rather than the person just walking away. __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

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