PAW PAW, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Troopers from the Michigan State Police will be patrolling I-94 in Van Buren and Kalamazoo Counties Friday in search of violators of Michigan’s Move Over Law. Troopers are conducting the enforcement on today’s date because it is the anniversary of Trooper Rick Johnson’s line of duty death that occurred May 6, 2000.
According to a release from the Michigan State Police, Trooper Johnson’s death was a direct result of a violator of the move over law. Additionally, a trooper at the Paw Paw Post was recently struck by a tractor trailer combination due to a violation of this law.
To create public awareness for the importance of this law, they say troopers will be vigorously enforcing violations, saying the enforcement is especially important due to the immediate danger it poses to troopers and first responders who are patrolling our streets and highways.
MCL 257.653a details the requirements for drivers when passing stationary authorized emergency vehicles (Police, Fire, Rescue, Ambulance, Tow Trucks, and Roadside service vehicle operating by the Michigan Department of Transportation). “Upon approach of the authorized emergency vehicles listed above, drivers are required to reduce their speed by 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit AND, if an additional lane of travel is open in the same direction, fully move over to this open lane. If a lane is not open or movement is not possible, the driver shall reduce their speed by 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and proceed with due care and caution.”
“A driver found in violation of this law is responsible for a civil fine of $400, not including court costs and fees. A driver found in violation of this law, who causes injury to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or
imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both. A driver found in violation of this law, who causes the death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $7,500.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both.”
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