Friday, May 28, 2010

Remember Virginia's “Move Over” and “Move It” Laws This Holiday Weekend

Memorial Day holiday travelers are reminded that Virginia has two laws to keep vehicles moving safely and smoothly around traffic incidents. These are the “Move Over” and “Move It” laws.

Virginia’s 'Move Over' Law
The “Move Over” law states that when approaching a stationary vehicle displaying flashing, blinking or alternating blue, red or amber light or lights, drivers must yield the right of way by changing lanes into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle.

If changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, drivers should proceed with due caution past the vehicle and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.

A single violation of the “Move Over” law is punishable as a traffic infraction. Subsequent violations may be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Virginia’s 'Move It' Law
If you’re in a fender bender with no injuries and you can move your vehicle, move it from the travel lanes – it’s the law.

When you leave your vehicle on the road after a crash, you add to traffic backups, which then may cause other more serious crashes in terms of property damage and personal injury.

If you are in a crash, check first for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately. If no one is injured and traffic is blocked, move the vehicles, when possible, to the nearest safe location, then call 9-1-1.

VDOT and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office asks motorists to take the Highway Safety Challenge by doing the following while on the road:
  • Buckle up (a recent state survey shows that more than 80 percent of Virginians use their seat belts)
  • Avoid distractions/No texting while driving – it’s the law!
  • Share the road
  • Drive drug- and alcohol-free
  • Obey speed limits

Finally, while planning your holiday trip, remember to call 511 or visit www.511virginia.org for the latest traffic and travel information throughout Virginia.

  For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.

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