Slow Down, Move Over!

Did you know that since 2003, more than 520 police officers lost their lives in car- or motorcycle-related traffic accidents? Furthermore, were you aware that 130 officers were hit by vehicles?  Most recently, during a traffic stop one of our police cars was hit by an approaching vehicle. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured.

We ask you to keep us safe by driving carefully. As shown below, slow down, move over when safe to do so, and pass the officer carefully at least 15 mph under the speed limit:

Alabama Law requires you to move over one lane when traveling on a four lane road, or, if it is unsafe to do, you must slow down to at least 15 mph below the speed limit. On a two lane road, you must move over as much as possible without leaving your lane and you must slow down to at least 15 mph below the speed limit. When the speed limit is 20 mph you must slow down to 10 mph.

The speed limit on UAHuntvsille campus is 25 mph which requires drivers to slow down to 10 mph or less when passing an officer. Speed limits on Sparkman Drive, University Drive, and Holmes Avenue are 35 mph and 45 mph. Drivers must slow down to at least 20 mph or 30 mph when passing an officer. Remember, some roads are four lane roads and you must, if it is safe to do, move over one lane.   

Click on this link to find further information: http://dps.alabama.gov/Documents/Images/MoveOver_Full.jpg

What To Do If You Are Pulled Over

If a police officer stops your vehicle on the street, he or she has a reason. The officer may suspect that you are in violation of a law. It’s also possible that a crime was committed nearby and the officer thinks that you might be able to help. UAHuntsville Police Officers ask you to:

• Pull over and stop where the officer directs you to do so.  The officer will only stop you at a safe place.
• Stay in your vehicle, remain seated, and do not open doors.
• It it is dark, turn on the interior light.
• Turn off your engine.
• Keeps your hands visible to the officer and avoid fast, furtive movements.
• Wait for the officer to approach.  Do not exit your vehicle unless the officer asks you to.
• Provide the officer with required documents first.  Give the officer a chance to review the documents and explain why he or she stopped you.
• In any circumstance, you certainly have the right to ask questions of the officer.  If the officer has not told you why you have been stopped, you may inquire after you have handed requested documents to the officer.
• Step out of the vehicle only when asked to do so.
• Remember that all citizens have a right to contest the officer's decision, such as a traffic citation, before a judge or magistrate.  Certainly, you can speak with the officer's supervisor about his or her decision.  However, the time and place of the stop is not a safe and appropriate location to argue your position.