The Sparks Police Department (SPD) would like to remind the public that moving over to give first responders space isn't just a courtesy - it's the law.
According to a recent report from SPD, officers were working a crash on Friday night, February 13 at around 7:15p in the area of Vista Boulevard and N. Los Altos Parkway.
Per the report, an SPD motor officer was on the scene completing a crash report, with his motorcycle parked in the roadway with its lights on to divert traffic away from the crash scene.
As the crash report was being finished, it's said that a distracted driver crashed into the police motorcycle, causing "significant damage" to the bike. The officer was away from the motorcycle and was not injured.
The distracted driver was not injured, and remained on scene to cooperate with the investigation.
With this incident in mind, SPD would like to remind citizens of the Move Over Law in Nevada; drivers are required to slow down and move over (if it can be done safely) when approaching:
- Police vehicles
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Tow trucks
- NDOT and other road maintenance vehicles
- Any authorized vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road
On a multi-lane highway, drivers must move into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle, again, if safe to do so. On a two-lane road, drivers must slow down significantly and pass with care.
For more information, you can reach out to the SPD Non-Emergency Dispatch at (775) 353-2231.
