Haymarket man cited for not moving over for police

A Fairfax police officer was struck on Interstate 66 on Wednesday while issuing a traffic citation. While the officer wasn't seriously injured, a Haymarket man has been charged with failing to move over and out of the way of a stopped emergency vehicle.

The 31-year-old Fairfax County officer was hit from behind by a 2004 Lexus L43 while standing on the side of the interstate, near the Fairfax County Parkway. The 71-year-old man who was driving the car immediately pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. He was charged with the misdemeanor and then released on a summons.

This and other incidents like it are drawing more attention to a law many Virginians know little about.

Passed in 2002, the law requires drivers to move over a lane from an emergency vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road.

When drivers can't move over, like in cases of heavy traffic, they are asked to stay alert and pass police slowly. Drivers who are cited for the violation can receive a $2,500 fine and up to 12 months in jail.

In April a Virginia State Police trooper's car was also struck on I-66 while he and the driver he had pulled over were sitting in it. A car slammed into them from behind, pushing the police cruiser into the car that was pulled over. Both cars caught fire, and despite his injuries the trooper was able to rescue the motorist and himself from the burning car.

Because of budget shortfalls state police have had problems educating the public about the law. This fall the Virginia Department of Transportation posted signs along interstates, including one near Dumfries, warning drivers to yield to emergency vehicles.

"We've had troopers in their cars get struck before, but this year we have had some of the most serious injuries," said Corinne Geller, Virginia State Police spokeswoman. So far this year, there have been eight state troopers struck on highways.

Most troopers are less worried about getting hit by a bullet than they are being struck by a moving car, Geller added.

The Virginia State Police Association comes to their aid by helping produce signs and literature warning drivers of the move over law.

Geller said Virginia Tech was nice enough to produce a video, made available on the state police Web site, showing just how devastating the crashes can be.

"There are nearly 2,000 troopers in the state of Virginia. Each of us represents a unique and diverse background. But we all have one thing in common; we all have been struck or nearly struck while performing our duties on Virginia highways," said Master Trooper Jeff Resnick in the video.

Resnick's car was also side-swiped this year, by a tractor trailer on I-81 near Roanoke. Jumping from the driver's seat into the passenger side saved his life, Geller said.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.