GENESEE COUNTY, Mich.—Michigan’s Move Over Law has been in place since 2018 and aims to protect first responders who risk their lives when stopping on the side of the road.

Despite this law, many first responders continue to face dangerous situations.

The law requires drivers to move over and slow down when approaching police, firefighters, EMS, and tow truck drivers stopped on the side of the road.

This simple action can save lives.

Lt. Kim Vetter of the Michigan State Police has firsthand experience with the dangers.

“You’ll have a hard time finding a police officer, firefighter, medic, or tow truck driver who hasn’t had a close call with a vehicle passing too closely or too quickly,” said Lt. Vetter.

Vetter urges drivers to remember that first responders are people too. “There’s nothing to protect us from that moving vehicle,” she emphasized.

Vetter emphasizes the importance of giving emergency responders room, even if it means taking an extra 30 seconds to move over and slow down.

“We’ve seen a lot of first responders, unfortunately, hit by vehicles, killed, or severely injured,” said Jim Santilli, CEO of the Transportation Improvement Association.

Which includes one of MSP’s own, in January, Trooper Joel Popp was struck and killed by a car on I-75 near Birch Run while placing flares on the roadway.

Trooper Popp was the sixth Michigan State Trooper killed in a traffic-related crash since 1994.

A 2019 report from the National Safety Commission revealed that 67% of the public is unaware of Move Over Laws and traffic-related incidents remain the leading cause of death among law enforcement officers.

Santilli highlighted the personal responsibility of drivers.

“When a first responder is struck, their life might be taken away permanently, but we need to remember that they have families,” said Santilli.

He encourages drivers to make good choices, including avoiding distractions, driving sober, and following speed limits.

“We need to keep our first responders safe while they’re out there assisting the public and doing their public servant duties,” he added.

Failing to comply with the Move Over Law can result in significant penalties, including:

• A civil infraction
• Two points on your driver’s license
• A $400 fine
• A felony charge with up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if someone is killed