How Michigan’s Move Over law can save a life
By: Emma Blakley
BIRCH RUN – On Jan. 24, Michigan State Police Tpr. Joel Popp was struck by an oncoming vehicle on northbound I-75 near Birch Run while investigating a potential impaired driver.
“Police, fire, EMS and others are there to help. But if someone does not even consider slowing down, they run the risk of injuring someone or even a life,” Bob Phillips, retired Asst. Chief Firefighter and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician says. “What if it is you that is stranded alongside the road?”
Popp enlisted with the Michigan State Police on Jan. 26, 2020 and graduated as a member of the 137th Trooper Recruit School. His watch ended Jan. 24, 2024. Popp was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint where he died from his injuries. Popp’s funeral was held on Jan. 31, 2024 at the SVSU Ryder Center.
Joel Popp is the 56th Michigan State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty.
Requiring motorists to slow down, Michigan’s Move Over law is aimed at ensuring the safety of stationary authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights. These vehicles include police, ambulance, road service, fire, and rescue. When drivers are approaching an authorized vehicle, they should slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over to a further lane. Pass with caution, and leave vehicles space.
If a motorist is found violating the law, they are responsible for a civil infraction – a fine of $400 – and two points on their driver’s license. If the motorist causes death to any emergency response personnel, they can face felony charges and enhanced penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or $7,500 in fines. Two years in prison, a felony charge, and/or a $1,000 fine can occur if the motorist causes injury. Other authorized vehicles can be punishable by a 90-day misdemeanor.
“We all need to slow down – it’s someone’s life you are saving as well as your own, and you may not even know it,” Phillips says. “Someone’s life is a wonderful feeling to save, you will never forget it the rest of your life.”
