On Monday, the Michigan State Police are cracking down on drivers who don’t move over for emergency vehicles. It’s a statewide effort that aims to protect first responders and remind motorists of the state’s “Move Over” laws, which have existed since 1949.
“There are far too many lives that are lost just due to carelessness and failure to move over,” Lt. Ty Howard, a 10-year veteran State Trooper, said. “When you see those first responders on the side of the road or whatnot, you have to give them the right-of-way, you have to yield to them.”
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The coordinated enforcement effort will include law enforcement agencies from around the state, runs tomorrow from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm – and covers all Michigan highways. It is also one of a number of “Move Over” enforcement efforts happening on Monday, as similar efforts are happening in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
“Move Over” laws exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Howard is like so many other police officers, first responders, and construction workers who put their lives on the line every time they stop on the side of the highway.
Michigan’s “move over” law requires drivers to safely move out of the way – or slow down to 10 miles below the speed limit – when approaching a stationary authorized vehicle with its flashing lights activated. This includes police vehicles, fire and EMS, tow trucks, road service vehicles, and construction vehicles.
“Let’s use a state trooper for an example; you see one of them on the side of the road with their overhead lights activated: you need to slow down to a safe speed,” Howard said. “If you can’t move over, but if you have the ability to move over, you need to move over and give that person that right-of-way and yield to them.”
“It’s not just dangerous for the state troopers,” he said. “It’s dangerous for all law enforcement and first responders.
According to MSP, their patrol cars have been hit 13 times this year and seven troopers have been killed on the side of the road in the department’s history.
The penalties for not moving over start with a civil infraction, along with a $400 fine and 2 points on your license.
If you don’t move over and you injure or kill a first responder or construction worker, that’s a felony that can land you thousands of dollars in fines and between 2 to 15 years in prison.
The hope is that days like Monday will keep those numbers down and keep people safe.
“Safety is the number one thing that we’re always trying to preach to the public,” Howard said. “If we can come out here and make a difference and save someone’s life, it’s a mission well done for us.
“Please make smart decisions when you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle,” Howard said. “If you see emergency vehicles operating out there, please yield to them. Just slow down. Move over.”