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See a vehicle with flashing lights just off the road ahead? The right reaction is to step on the brake and see if there's a way to give those emergency vehicles plenty of space so responders can work in safety.
That's not just a suggestion.
Michigan's "Move Over" law mandates that when a driver sees an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with its lights on, they must move over a lane and slow down at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. If moving over is not possible, the driver must slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. The Michigan law applies to police vehicles, fire or EMS vehicles, construction vehicles and tow trucks.
Unfortunately, drivers seem to need regular reminders about that obligation.
To emphasize the message, a one-day, high-visibility enforcement effort took place Monday across Michigan and in neighboring states.
"With at least 13 instances just this year of patrol vehicles being struck while conducting traffic stops, and seven MSP members killed while working on the side of the road in the department's history, this is an important message we need everyone to hear," Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, said in a news release. "We always prefer education over enforcement, but during this single-day operation officers will be looking for and addressing dangerous driving behaviors, including motorists who disregard the state's Move Over law."
Wisconsin, too, has a "Move Over" law, and in both states it's not just for police or state troopers.
So do the right thing for those trying to do an already difficult job -- follow the law by slowing down and, when possible, moving over. It'll help keep them -- and drivers and passengers -- safer.