Michigan State Police are urging drivers to stay alert and comply with the Move Over law following a series of crashes involving patrol vehicles on the roadside. Within a week, two police cars were struck, highlighting a troubling trend that has seen seven MSP vehicles hit in January alone. "The shoulder of the road is a dangerous place for anyone," MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II told MSP Newsroom, "When you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with emergency lights activated, please slow down and move over. That one act can save countless lives."
In light of the recent events, authorities are emphasizing the importance of the Michigan Move Over law, which mandates drivers to decrease their speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit and shift over to an adjacent lane when approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicles with active lights if traffic allows it and when it's not safe to change lanes, to still reduce speed and carefully pass giving the emergency vehicle as much space as feasible—these guidelines are in place to protect everyone on the road from potential harm.
Despite the clear rules, the frequency of these incidents suggests compliance is lacking. A trooper narrowly escaped injury in Wexford County on Monday after a motorist struck the patrol car during an assistance operation for another vehicle. In a separate incident on Wednesday on I-75 in Saginaw County, a parked patrol vehicle was hit by a suspected drunk driver while troopers were investigating a minor crash, causing minor injuries to the trooper and others involved.
With a history of seven MSP fatalities during roadside operations, law enforcement's message is clear—driving is not just a privilege; it carries significant responsibilities to ensure the safety of all road users. "Motorists need to understand the consequences of their driving behavior and the impact it has on their fellow motorists," Grady added, according to MSP Newsroom.
