Natrona County Authorities: Slow Down, Move Over for Emergency Vehicles

Natrona County Sheriff's deputies have reported close calls during traffic stops as passing vehicles have failed to slow down and move over as required by state law.

With the influx of visitors and motor vehicles in the county due to the solar eclipse, first responders are at greater risk for injury as more and more drivers fail to yield and stay out of the way.

Again, Wyoming law requires drivers to move over or pull over when encountering an emergency vehicle that has activated its lights or siren. Here's some language from state statute:

• Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
• When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two (2) or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, shall merge into the lane farthest from the emergency vehicle, except when otherwise directed by a police officer;
• When driving on a two (2) lane road, shall slow to a speed that is twenty (20) miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

So when you're out driving -- always, not just during the eclipse festival -- yield to emergency vehicles and help keep all first responders safe. It's the least we can do for the people who risk their lives to save ours.