Mar 11, 2016 By Steve Barrett 2 min read

WAYNESBURG — State police in Waynesburg conducted a “Move Over Initiative” along Interstate 79 in Greene County on Friday, March 4, which resulted in several motorists being issued citations and warnings.

According to information provided by state police, the state-wide initiative is held to not only enforce the “Steer Clear” law — which is designed to endure the safety of first responders traveling on the roads — it is also meant to educate motorists of the law in an effort to keep the first responders safe.

“The Pennsylvania State Police believe that it is of paramount importance to keep all of our first responders safe while they risk their lives to protect others,” said Sgt. Steven Dowlin of the state police barracks in Waynesburg, in a release issued on March 4.

The “Steer Clear” law, which went into effect in 2006, requires motorists to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle. The law requires motorists to move to a lane that is not adjacent to the scene of an emergency response, police stop or a tow truck picking up an abandoned vehicle. If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must reduce their speed, according to the release.

Dowlin said the law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing and where road crews or emergency personnel have lighted flares, posted signs or tried to warn motorists. Failure to move over or slow down can result in a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250, he said.

In addition, fines will be doubled for troubled traffic violations occurring in these areas; if that violation leads to a worker being being injured, a 90-day license suspension could result, according to the statement.

Police reported that the initiative on March 4 resulted in officers issuing eight “Steer Clear” citations, two speeding citations, two other undisclosed citations and four other warnings.