Between January 23-30, 2022, Eaton County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 697 calls for service. Our higher call volumes occurred n the following areas: Traffic Stops-77, Suspicious Situation/Subject/Vehicle-41, Alarms-39, Assist Citizen/Motorist Assist-36, Property Damage Crashes-34, Domestic Disputes-27, Check Well Beings-24, Shoplifting Complaints-22, Traffic Violations-17, Traffic Hazards-17, Car/Deer Accidents-16, Civil Complaints-15, Larcenies-14, Disorderly Person or Subject-14, Property Damage Hit and Run-12, and Loud Noises-11.
Michigan’s Move Over Law - Across the state, we’re seeing instances of emergency vehicles being hit when drivers fail to slow down and move over. This law requires motorists to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated. When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated, motorists must carefully slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over into an open lane, when it’s safe to do so. If this is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit, and pass with caution allowing the emergency vehicle as much space as possible.
Emergency vehicles include police, fire, ambulance, rescue, road service, road maintenance, utility service and solid waste haulers.
The penalties for violation of the law are for a civil infraction and is subject to two points on your driver’s license and a fine of $400. Motorists face felony charges and enhanced penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if the violation causes death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel. For injury to a police officer, firefighter or other emergency response personnel the motorist is guilty of a felony and the penalty is up to 2 years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
Yours in Public Safety
Sheriff Tom Reich