Saturday, June 28, 2014

Virginia's Slow Down Move Over Law

I love going for rides with my human and he loves taking me all the places he can where I can go in the stores or shops without having to stay in the car, whether it’s hot or cold outside!

My human used to drive a school bus, years ago in the mid 1900’s when I was not yet a twinkle in anyone’s eyes, so he’s a good driver and I've always felt safe with him.   This was before the school buses had automatic transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM radios and GPS- he used to drive with temperatures of 100+ with 100% humidity, and manual transmissions- sounds like one of those stories where Dad walks 3 miles to school in snow up to his knees doesn’t it?
Being the careful guy he is, I’ve gotten curious when he does more lane changing when he’s driving down the highway and comes up a police car or fire truck or ambulance.  I’ve noticed sometimes there are people there or I can see their cars. 
Credit: Flickr Creative Commons - Fairfax County 

Curiosity gets the best of me so I pawed him and asked what in the world he was doing driving like a crazy man, swerving back and forth. He looks at me oddly, as if to say “since when do I drive and know what it’s about.” He smiles and concentrates on his driving and swerved again. 

"Noah, in Virginia, there is a law called 'The Move Over Law'.  Whenever a motorist approaches a stopped emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing, blinking or alternating blue, red, or amber light or lights are to yield the right of way to them- basically 'move over' to give them roomFor me, I have always merged over as safely as possible whenever I saw a car stopped on the side of the road as you never know when someone might get out of the car!"   

Now, I understand why Dad does what he does and know that he's not as crazy as I thought.  

June is designated at the month to remind drivers about this law, so I am including a link to the Virginia State Police for you to read more details. 

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