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SHSO Media Campaign Launch - Slow Down Move Over

The Windham County Sheriff's Office along with the State Highway Safety Office would like to remind all drivers, when you see flashing red lights, blue lights or amber lights on the side of the highway, you MUST slow down and safely change lanes or move as far to the side away from the lights as possible.

https://youtu.be/KRBOQXN7c5s?si=GGNUHwwXw_fTiDsI

Why it matters:
Emergency and other roadside personnel can only do so much to keep themselves safe when they pull over on the side of the road. The rest of the responsibility falls on you and those motorists around you.

Remember, next time you see flashing lights on the side of the road, no matter the color, Slow Down and Move Over. They’re out there working hard to keep you safe… and they want to stay safe, too.

23 V.S.A. § 1050
§ 1050. Operation on approach of law enforcement and emergency vehicles or when approaching stationary law enforcement and emergency vehicles or work zone

(b) Approaching law enforcement, emergency, and towing and repair vehicles. The operator of a vehicle approaching a stationary law enforcement vehicle displaying a blue or blue and white signal lamp; a stationary ambulance, fire apparatus, vehicle operated by a volunteer firefighter, or motor vehicle used in rescue operations as set forth in section 1252 of this title displaying a red or red and white signal lamp; or a stationary towing and repair vehicle displaying an amber signal lamp shall proceed with caution and, if traveling on a multilane highway and safety conditions permit, make a lane change into a lane farther away from the stationary vehicle. If the operator of the approaching vehicle must remain in the lane adjacent to the stationary vehicle, then the operator shall slow down to a reasonable, safe, and prudent speed given the safety conditions and posted speed limit.

(c) Approaching work zone. The operator of a vehicle approaching a properly designated work zone shall proceed with caution and slow down to a reasonable, safe, and prudent speed given the safety conditions and posted speed limit. If workers are only present on one side of a multilane highway and safety conditions permit, the operator shall remain in or make a lane change into a lane farther away from the workers.