How often are you driving down the road when you see a police officer pulling someone over or a tow truck driver trying to assist a stranded commuter? Every day right?
Virtually every day, on our way to work, home, the gym, etc. we drive by police officers writing a ticket or an emergency vehicle pulled off on the shoulder of the road. Right? I know I see it almost every day on my way to and from Court.
What most people don’t seem to know is that Virginia law requires that when a police officer or other emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road, with their lights flashing, you have a mandatory legal duty to either change lanes or if you cannot safely change lanes you must slow down to diligently and safely pass the emergency vehicles.
This is important for two reasons. First, it is a major safety issue every year because too many police officers and other first responders are killed by closely passing cars. Second, Va. Code §46.2-921.1, failure to change lanes or slow down will result in a traffic infraction on for a first offense and a criminal class one misdemeanor for a second offense.
So please next time you are driving and you see an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road, change lanes or slow down, or you might be the next person pulled over by the police!
The attorneys at NovaLegalGroup, P.C. have experience successfully handling thousands of Reckless Driving charges, as well as thousands of other criminal and criminal traffic charges. Contact us today for a Free Case Evaluation! Remember, “DON’T BE A VICTIM…FIGHT BACK!”