Motorists traveling Virginia’s highways will be seeing even more signs referencing Virginia’s “Move Over” law. Not your typical, stationary highway signs, but 17 inch by 24 inch placards displayed on the back of trailers that belong to Houff Transfer Inc., a private trucking company headquartered in Weyers Cave, Va. The company produced 100 of the updated Virginia State Police “Move Over” bumper stickers to display on its commercial fleet in order to promote the state law.
“First responder lives are in peril on every call they make along the interstate system. Standing inches from the solid, white line separating the roadway from the shoulder and having traffic pass at a high rate of speed is very daunting and dangerous,” said Alan Caviness, Safety & Risk Management Director, Houff Transfer, Inc. “They need protection and one way is to educate the public about the law. Houff Transfer, Inc., supports our first responders who answer calls day and night without thought or hesitation for their safety in order to provide assistance to people in need.”
The “Move Over” law is intended to protect public safety responders and others who have a responsibility to work the roads. Virginia’s law requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when unable to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. The law also includes highway maintenance vehicles and tow trucks equipped with flashing amber lights.
This is the second time the company has assisted with the public safety and educational awareness campaign. Six years ago, Houff Transfer, Inc., produced and displayed the original, red “Move Over” decals on their trailers.
“Partnerships with companies like Houff Transfer are invaluable towards promoting this lifesaving law and we are most grateful for their continuing support,” says Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “As Houff’s fleet travels up and down the Mid-Atlantic region, they benefit first responders even beyond Virginia’s borders by reminding every motorist they share the road with of the importance and need to move over for the safety of those working on our highways.”
Every state in the nation has a “Move Over” law and violation of the law varies from state to state. Nationwide, 134 law enforcement personnel between 2005-2014 were struck and killed by a vehicle while on-duty.* So far in 2015, there have been eight Virginia State Police Troopers struck while either outside or seated inside their vehicles when working on the highway.
For more information regarding Virginia’s “Move Over” law, brochures and public service announcements, visit the Virginia State Police Website at vsp.virginia.gov.
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Chris Graham
