The Washington State Patrol conducted a statewide “Slow Down, Move Left for Emergency Lights” emphasis from Oct. 27 to 29.

The goal behind the emphasis “is to bring increased awareness to the “Move Over Law” which helps both troopers and citizens get home safe,” a media release stated.

In the past five years, a total of 141 patrol vehicles were hit and 51 troopers were injured, the release stated.

Thirty three patrol vehicles and 16 troopers were injured last year.

The RCW 46.61.212 Approaching Emergency Zones is the “Move Over Law.” It requires that vehicles approaching an emergency zone should proceed with due caution, slow down and if safe move over or change lanes. An emergency vehicle includes: police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance that are making use of warning lights.

An Emergency Zone is the adjacent lanes of the roadway two hundred feet before and after.

If there are two lanes going in the same direction, move completely into the left lane.

The penalty is $214 and it cannot be waived or reduced.

The Washington State Patrol contacted 4,216 drivers for the move over violation in 2015.

The inclement weather season is about to start and this is when we see a rise in the number of patrol cars hit, the release said. The Washington State Patrol would like to remind drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency lights. It’s safe and it’s the law.