In a recent reminder of the dangers persistent in winter driving conditions, a Holland Department of Public Safety police cruiser was struck from behind while attending to a roadside incident on US-31. WWMT reported that despite the cruiser's activated emergency lights, a southbound driver failed to change lanes and collided with the vehicle on Wednesday.
According to FOX 17 News, no injuries were reported following the collision, which occurred after the officer had blocked a lane to protect a car that had slid into the median. With the cruiser's emergency lights illuminated but did not move over, the other vehicle rear-ended the police car.
The Holland Police took to social media to issue a warning in the wake of the crash. "Just a reminder to slow down in winter conditions, particularly in the area of emergency vehicles or others vehicles on the side of the road,” the department wrote, as per FOX 17 News. This cautionary advice underscores a legal imperative as well; Michigan’s Move Over Law requires drivers to reduce speed and shift lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles displaying flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights. Violating this law carries significant penalties, including fines and points on the driver’s license.
Highlighting the seriousness of the law and its consequences, WOODTV mentioned that offenses against the Move Over Law can result in a civil infraction, two points on a driver's license, and a fine of up to $400. Escalation of these penalties happens if the noncompliance leads to an emergency responder's injury or death. Sharing a photo of the smashed cruiser, the Holland Police serve as a visual testament to the potential harm that can come from not heeding their advice, as drivers did not move over for the emergency lights and cruiser in the left lane and smashed into the back of the cruiser.
