Hanover, Va. – Many of you have seen increased messaging regarding “Move Over Awareness” during the month of June, mainly because in 2014 the Virginia General Assembly designated June as “Move Over Awareness Month.” Established in 2002, Virginia’s Move Over law requires drivers to either move over a lane or, when unable to do so, slow down and cautiously pass all stationary vehicles stopped on the side of a road that are displaying flashing, blinking, or alternating blue, red, or amber lights.
The Sheriff’s Office, along with our regional public safety and private partners, participated in numerous initiatives to raise awareness and to educate the public about this important law.
In our efforts, the Sheriff’s Office worked in conjunction with regional law enforcement partners on heavily traveled thoroughfares throughout the area with the goal to increase public knowledge about the “Move Over” law. This operation was a great success in raising community awareness about the importance of this law.
The Sheriff’s Office also teamed up with numerous agencies from across the region to create a “Slow Down, Move Over” public service announcement. This video, released on social media prior to the Memorial Day weekend, reached well over one hundred thousand people and continues to be “shared” today.
Even though June is designated as “Move Over Awareness Month,” the Sheriff’s Office encourages citizens to always remain vigilant while traveling on the roadways. If you see a vehicle with flashing, blinking, or alternating blue, red, or amber lights, Move Over. If you cannot Move Over, please Slow Down and pass with caution. It is not only the law; it is the safe thing to do!
Finally, throughout the summer, the Sheriff’s Office will be conducting numerous DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints throughout the county. Sadly, drunk driving is still the number one cause of death on roadways. The Sheriff’s Office owes it to our community to ensure drivers are safe and sober. Together, we can keep our roadways safe!
