NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
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LANSING — This week alone, two Michigan State Police (MSP) patrol vehicles were struck by motorists highlighting the urgent need for drivers to be more alert behind the wheel.
“The shoulder of the road is a dangerous place for anyone,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “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.”
On Monday, Jan. 27, an MSP patrol car was struck while assisting a vehicle that had slid off the roadway in Wexford County. The trooper was not injured. On Wednesday, Jan. 29, a trooper and other motorists received minor injuries when a suspected drunk driver hit a parked patrol vehicle as troopers were investigating an unrelated minor crash on I-75 in Saginaw County.
So far this month, seven MSP patrol vehicles have been hit. These incidents all have the potential to be deadly, evidenced by the fact that seven MSP members have been killed while working on the side of the road in the department’s history.
Michigan’s Move Over law requires motorists to slow down at least 10 mph below the speed limit and move over to an open lane to give space for stationary authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating or oscillating lights activated. If not safe to move over a lane, motorists must still slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and pass with caution, allowing the authorized vehicle as much space as possible.
It's important to note the law applies to authorized police, fire, rescue, ambulance and road service emergency vehicles.
“Driving is a privilege with significant responsibilities. Those responsibilities include ensuring the safety of yourself, your passengers and others on the road. Motorists need to understand the consequences of their driving behavior and the impact it has on their fellow motorists,” added Grady.
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