Frequent readers know that this column contains mostly stories of the unusual, the bizarre or stories about stupid criminals. This week there’s a serious matter that needs your attention.

When you see a flashing light on the side of the road, do you slow down and move over to the left? Some drivers do, but others, unaware of potential danger, speed on by close to the cars stopped on the side of the road.

There are laws in 40 states that require cars passing stopped emergency vehicles to "move over." Virginia was the first to pass such a law. California did so recently, but South Carolina has not yet enacted a "move over" statute.

A "move over" law in most states requires drivers on highways with two or more lanes to move safely to the left, and slow down when passing stopped emergency vehicles.

The penalty for violation of a "move over" law varies from state to state, but in Virginia the fine can go as high as $2,500.

Why are "move over" laws important? Because too many cops and civilian drivers have been killed or seriously injured by cars speeding by as officers get out of their patrol cars to do their job. Frequently the drivers who are stopped by police are also at risk when they get out of their car to talk with the officer who stopped them.

There’s a video on-line showing very clearly why it’s important to move over. In the video a trooper urges a woman to step over to the far shoulder, away from the highway. She’s standing behind her stopped car. The trooper’s car is behind her car. The trooper explains, "Come over here, ma’am, away from traffic. If a car hits my patrol car, you could get caught between the two cars."

No sooner has the woman moved to a position of safety when a speeding car veers off the highway and slams into the woman’s car — turning it into a pile of scrap.

Please slow down and move to your left when you pass a stopped emergency vehicle. Even without a "move over" law I want you to stay safe! You can see the video at: http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=9_1B2b8wXUE