New Hampshire State Police announced a statewide surge of patrols this week aimed at enforcing the state’s move‑over law, commonly known as Sherrill’s Law. The law requires drivers to reduce speed and, when safe, change lanes when they encounter a stopped vehicle displaying emergency or hazard lights.
Honoring a Fallen Officer
The law bears the name of Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill, who lost his life five years ago while working a detail on I‑95 when a tractor‑trailer struck his vehicle. Lt. Matthew Locke, a longtime colleague of Sherrill, said the officer’s memory continues to guide the department’s safety efforts. “He’ll always be remembered here for his quiet confidence, his ability to bring calm to situations,” Locke said, adding that Sherrill was a mentor and friend whose example still shapes the force.
Why Enforcement Matters
Locke emphasized that the move‑over law is a commonsense measure designed to prevent roadside tragedies. “It’s important to us because, obviously, we see tragedies resulting from roadside crashes every day,” he explained. The state updated the law last year, expanding the requirement that all drivers slow down when approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights and move over when it is safe to do so.
Increased Patrol Presence
Beginning this week, additional state police cruisers will be deployed on major highways and rural routes throughout New Hampshire. Officers will monitor compliance, issue citations for violations, and conduct public‑education outreach at rest areas and community events. “We take a zero‑tolerance approach to move‑over violations for obvious reasons,” Locke said, underscoring the department’s commitment to protecting both emergency responders and motorists.
Community Response
Local drivers have expressed mixed reactions. Some appreciate the heightened safety focus, noting that recent accidents involving emergency vehicles have underscored the need for stricter enforcement. Others worry about increased ticketing, but Locke reassured the public that the primary goal is education and prevention, not revenue generation.
Looking Ahead
The state police plan to evaluate the impact of the enforcement effort over the coming months, tracking citation rates and any reduction in roadside collisions. Locke hopes the initiative will honor Sherrill’s legacy by saving lives and reinforcing a culture of respect for first responders on New Hampshire roads.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
