New Hampshire State Police are increasing patrols across the state this week to enforce the law requiring drivers to protect emergency workers and others stopped along the roadside.
The enforcement effort focuses on Sherrill’s Law, which requires motorists to slow down when approaching a vehicle stopped on the side of the road with its emergency or flashing hazard lights activated. Drivers must also move into another lane when it is safe to do so, according to the law’s requirements described by state police.
The law is named for Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill, a state trooper who was killed five years ago while working a detail on Interstate 95. Sherrill was struck by a tractor-trailer, according to WMUR. State police are using the anniversary of his death to increase visibility and enforcement on roads throughout New Hampshire.
Locke said Sherrill was a colleague, mentor and friend whose influence remains with members of the department. He described Sherrill as someone who brought calm to difficult situations and expected those around him to follow proper procedures.
What drivers must do
- Slow down when approaching a vehicle stopped along the road with emergency or flashing hazard lights.
- Move over into another lane when doing so is safe.
- Give roadside workers and emergency responders additional space while passing.
New Hampshire strengthened the move-over law last year. The updated requirement applies when a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road with emergency or hazard lights on, and state police said the current patrol effort is intended both to enforce the law and to increase driver awareness.
“It’s important to us because, obviously, we see tragedies resulting from roadside crashes every day,” Locke said. He said Sherrill’s death continues to be remembered within the department and that the enforcement effort reflects the risks faced by people working near moving traffic.
Locke said state police will take a firm approach to violations during the increased patrols. The enforcement applies across New Hampshire roads, where motorists may encounter stopped police cruisers, fire apparatus, ambulances, highway-maintenance vehicles or other vehicles displaying emergency or hazard lights.
