This Michigan State Police vehicle was crashed into by a suspected drunk driver while the trooper was investigating an unrelated crash in Saginaw County. The total number of MSP vehicle collisions in January has reached seven, driving MSP to issue a plea to Michigan drivers to drive responsibly around law enforcement when they are working at the side of a road. (Image provided by Michigan State Police)

HOUGHTON — Two separate incidents occurred this week in which Michigan State Troopers were effected by reckless drivers. On Jan. 27 in Wexford County an MSP patrol car was struck by a vehicle while the officer was assisting citizens who had slid their vehicle off the roadway.

The two females sustained minor injuries in this incident.

The next incident occurred in Saginaw County on Jan. 29 in which a suspected drunk driver hit an MSP vehicle that was investigating an unrelated minor traffic crash. The trooper was able to jump out of the way but still sustained minor injuries.

The two individuals who were involved with the crash prior to the suspected drunk driver crash also received minor injuries by the drunk driver.

The three were sent to the hospital for their injuries.

These two incidents having happened so closely together and bringing the total number of MSP patrol vehicles crashed into in January to seven, made MSP release a plea on Jan. 31 to Michigan drivers: Drive sober and move over.

The plea reminded Michigan drivers of the Michigan Move Over Law which requires motorists to slow down at least 10 mph below the speed limit and to move over to an open lane to give space for stationary authorized vehicles that have their rotating emergency lights activated.

If it is unsafe to move to another lane, drivers must still slow down 10 mph below the speed limit with as much space possible between the stationary vehicle and passing vehicle. Stationary vehicles which this law applies to include first responder emergency vehicles and road service emergency vehicles.

MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer Lt. Ben Eckola said there needs to be a larger consideration for troopers when they have a vehicle pulled over beside a roadway investigating crashes or conversing with drivers.

“When outside the car it is dangerous when motorists do not slow down or do not pull into another lane,” he said.

“If drivers do not observe this, the penalties for that violation can range from a civil infraction to a felony. You need to use caution when passing a public safety officer.”