A Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper was injured on Monday, July 25, 2016 on eastbound I-696 after his vehicle was hit by a large construction van. MSP reported to the Detroit Free Press that the crash happened around 7 A.M. when troopers responded to a vehicle in a ditch on eastbound I-696 near Lodge Freeway.
“The trooper pulled over to the right shoulder and was struck by a large construction state van hauling a piece of equipment,” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said in a statement. The injured officer, who has yet to be identified, was rushed to Providence Hospital with injuries to the face, back, and head. Luckily, his injuries do not appear to be life threatening. The driver of the construction van vehicle was not injured and state troopers are still continuing to investigate the accident, Shaw reported. The crash caused all lanes of I-696 to be shut down around M-10, but the area has since been cleared and re-opened.
The accident took place a week after MSP officials held a news conference to discuss Michigan’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated or slow down and pass with caution if it’s not possible to safely change lanes, according to the Detroit Free Press. “It’s just kind of ironic that exactly one week ago we were standing in the same parking lot talking about the Move Over law...and now we have a smashed patrol car sitting here. The picture above was posted by the MSP Twitter account (@mspmetrodet) with the caption “This is why you need to pay attention while driving. Give a lane.”
According to MSP, a 2014 statewide survey commissioned by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning reported that 80% of motorists were aware of the move over law, but only 60% were aware that the law also applies to tow trucks. Shaw stated that it’s not uncommon for troopers to get hit while parked on the side of the road.
“One of the things we see all the time is the distracted driving on our freeway system. For us, we understand that humans are curious people by nature and everyone wants to take a peek. This is one of the reasons you’ll see us close two or three lanes for a crash, not only to protect our troopers, EMS and tow trucks, but also to protect the people at the crash scene,” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw stated.
Distracted driving, whether it's taking a Snapchat photo or sending a quick text, can affect your life forever. Taking your eyes off the road for even two seconds can be dangerous, potentially causing serious injuries or death. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident involving a distracted driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether it is a sore back, broken leg, or a Traumatic Brain Injury, Michigan drivers are entitled to reimbursement for auto accident related medical expenses, wage loss, and oftentimes pain and suffering compensation. Our attorneys will work alongside you to identify which areas of aid you need, and get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.