Crash That Killed Fire Chief Sparks Reminders About ‘Move Over’ Law
It is still unclear what caused a motorist to veer around a parked fire truck, with lights flashing, on I-94 into the path of Comstock Township Fire Chief Ed Switalski. The chief was pronounced dead at the scene after rescue crews - already on the scene with Switalski, who was responding to another incident - tried to save him.
Fireman and president of fire safety organization ESCAPE Michael McLeieer tells 95.3 WBCK it is standard practice for emergency crews to place a heavy vehicle - like a fire rig - with lights on blocking a lane. Generally, it has proven to be an effective way to alert oncoming motorists that they should slow down and move over to allow room between them and the scene.
On top of that, McLeieer said many Michigan motorists are not even aware of the so-called "move over law" which requires that motorists slow down and move over on a two-lane highway when there are vehicles on the shoulder.
Fines can be hefty, especially when a motorists violates the move over law and a first responder is injured or killed.
Click the player above to hear more.
BONUS VIDEO - Reforming Michigan's Auto Insurance System | Richard Piet Show
More From WBCKFM
![Bobcat Escapes from Grand Rapids Nature Preserve Again](http://townsquare.media/site/43/files/2021/12/attachment-Sister-Bobcat.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Michigan State Police Cruiser Smashed On I-94 In Calhoun County](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2021/02/Untitled-design-2021-02-15T105427.243.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Inmate Recaptured After Escape From Calhoun County Corrections](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2019/02/2-2-inmate.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Here’s How To Get Free Life-Saving Smoke Alarms For Your Home](http://townsquare.media/site/748/files/2016/09/Fire-truck-BCFD.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![First Responders Pay Tribute to Fallen Comstock Fire Chief](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2017/06/Switalski-Funeral-2-Comstock-Rig.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Don’t Get Burned! Six Facts About Burn-Related Injuries](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2017/02/Stove-Burner-GettyImages-2074492.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Top Five Holiday Fire Safety Tips You Should be Practicing](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2013/12/Firemen-working-on-Fire.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Back to School: 11 School Fire Safety Tips](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2016/08/Mike-McLeieer-ESCAPE-WBCK-Aug-25-16.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Little Cells Hold The Key To Fire, CO Alerts](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2015/11/Fall-Back-Batteries-WBCK.jpg?w=980&q=75)