Drivers cited for failure to move to farthest lane

Spokane Valley Police netted about 116 tickets after pulling over 166 people during a traffic sting on Appleway Boulevard last week.

Officers were stopping people who wouldn’t pull into the lanes farthest away from an officer conducting a traffic stop on Appleway on Sept. 14.

A state law requires drivers not only to yield to traveling emergency vehicles, but to slow down and stay far away from them when they have their lights on as well, said Spokane Valley Police Sgt. Brett Gores. The fine is $101.

Last spring, a Washington State Patrol officer was hit and her back fractured by a semi-truck during a traffic stop near Ritzville. In response, law enforcement across the state has been patrolling closely to make sure people slow down and move to the lanes farthest from stopped officers, Gores said.

“An officer standing on the side of the road is hamburger meat if they get struck,” Gores said. “They’re in for a world of hurt.”

Officers were involved in legitimate traffic stops as part of the emphasis patrol, Gores said. A police officer wasn’t simply pulled over to the side of the road with their lights flashing as a decoy.

Some of the 116 tickets were for speeding or not having proof of insurance, but many were for failing to move out of the lanes closest to the officers, Gores said.

Some people under the influence of alcohol will drive toward flashing lights like those on police cars, Gores said, making it even more important for people to move over.