Drivers who follow Michigan’s Emergency Vehicle Caution Law (more commonly referred to as the Move Over Law) save lives, plain and simple. That’s why Michigan State Police are participating in a multi-state effort to crackdown on drivers who are not following the rule.
In 2016, 4,908 work-zone crashes took place, 17 of which resulted in deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. This statistic shed light on the fact that drivers need a reminder of the law. Far too many people are driving about the speed limit and are distracted by their phone, etc.
Senate Bill 477, the Zorn Bill, added tow trucks and utilities vehicles to the list. It also requires driver to reduce their speed to 10 MPH as they approach and pass emergency vehicles.
The Michigan Move Over Law states that when a stationary emergency vehicle has its light flashing, you must pull over into the other lane, when safe to do so. In the case where there it is only a one lane road or the emergency lights are not flashing, you are required to slow down and proceed with caution.
If you get caught not following the Mover Over Law, there is a steep fine of up to $500. You can get up to four points on your record and have to serve up to 90 days for the offense. Furthermore, if you injure or kill a first responder, you can be fined up to $7,500 and have to serve up to 15 years.
According to Move Over, America, more than 150 police officers have died since 1999 after being struck by a moving vehicle while they were pulled over on the side of the road. The organization was founded in 2007 by the National Safety Commission, the National Sheriff’s Association, and the National Association of Police Organizations in order to promote awareness over the Move Over Law.
The law applies not only to police and ambulances, but also to firetrucks, tow trucks, sanitation trucks, and any other service vehicle on the side of the road. The crackdown is intended to bring awareness to drivers about the law and ultimately save lives by reducing the number of tragic accidents.