Jefferson County Public Works (JCPW) and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) are reminding all drivers of Washington State’s “Move Over Law,” and to exercise additional caution during winter months.
Per RCW 46.16.212, motorists must reduce driving speeds and, if possible, change lanes or give wide berths to any stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicles, police vehicles, tow trucks, construction or maintenance vehicles, solid waste vehicles, or utility service vehicles using flashing lights. Failure to do so is considered reckless endangerment of emergency and work zone workers, and can lead to fines, jail time, and/or loss of license.
“Remember, if you come upon a vehicle that displays flashing yellow, red or blue lights you are required to comply with the requirements to slow down and move over,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Joe Nole of the Move Over Law. “If you see a construction or emergency vehicle stopped on the road remember there is probably someone out working close to passing traffic. When you add rain, fog or freezing temperatures to the equation, Law Enforcement, Fire personnel and others working on the road need your help more than ever to make sure we go home safe at night. Please do your part.”
To reduce icy road conditions, Jefferson County applies rock salt coated with liquid calcium chloride to heavily traveled arterials and areas where roadway ice frequently forms. This anti-icing treatment helps to prevent the formation of frost and black ice on the road and, in the case of snowfall, prevents the snow from bonding to the road surface when it is packed down by traffic.
“When our crews are working on a section of road, either with flashing lights on their vehicle or with alternating traffic, it is a work zone and carries risk to our personnel and to drivers.” Road Maintenance Superintendent Matt Stewart noted. “Please give our equipment operators plenty of room, especially in icy and snowy conditions. Driving a truck with a wide snowplow while spreading salt or sand is a demanding task, and other drivers being careful around those trucks helps keep everyone safe.”
Questions and concerns about road conditions may be directed to the Road Maintenance Division by phone at 360-385-0890, email at roads@co.jefferson.wa.us or online at https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/FormCenter/Public-Works-10/County-Road-Problem-Report-54.
About Jefferson County Public Works: Our mission in Public Works is to provide products and services that enhance the quality of life in Jefferson County. Our vision is to become a model public service provider in all that we do.
About the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with our community, is committed to preserving the peace, helping those in need, and protecting the constitutional rights of all.