Boulder and Larimer counties are participating in a statewide program Thursday to educate drivers on moving over for stopped emergency vehicles.
The campaign is in response to the November death of Colorado State Trooper Cody Donahue, who was struck and killed by a vehicle that failed to move over for a stopped emergency vehicle on I-25 south of Castle Rock, according to a Larimer County’s news release.
State law mandates drivers approaching or passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck flashing any red, blue or yellow lights to move over at least one lane when possible, and extremely reduce speeds if safely possible.
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Carrie Haverfield said deputies will patrol along U.S. 287 and South Boulder Road, and the turnpike section of U.S. 36 and Colo. 119.
“Our focus is going to be on education,” she said. “We’re not looking to have this be a ticket-generator type of event.”
She said Thursday is the first “move over” enforcement day of the year, followed by March 22 and April 13.
Lafayette Cmdr. Scott Emerson said the police department is working in conjunction with the sheriff’s office and Colorado State Patrol, focusing on U.S. 287 and South Boulder Road. He said they will bring in an overtime officer to help write citations and give warnings.
“Whichever is appropriate,” Emerson said.
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Moore said officers will likely set up a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing on a road with multiple lanes and contact drivers who fail to move over, according to the news release. Citations for careless driving may be issued to motorists who fail to move over.
“We are determined to protect all the emergency responders working on Larimer County’s roadways,” the release stated.
Weld County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Matt Turner said the county is not participating. He said it’s difficult to provide extra resources to 4,000 square miles.
The Loveland Reporter-Herald contributed to this report.
Amelia Arvesen: 303-684-5212, arvesena@times-call.com or twitter.com/ameliaarvesen
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