Northville, Michigan. Two recent fatal crashes involving persons standing in the freeway has prompted the Michigan State Police to issue safety guidelines for drivers whose vehicles become disabled or involved in non-injury crashes. In both cases, drivers and/or passengers who exited a disabled vehicle were fatally struck by passing traffic.

In an effort to reduce such tragedies, the Michigan State Police is reminding drivers to stay inside their disabled vehicles while waiting for assistance to arrive. Experience has shown that drivers are much safer inside their vehicles where there is some protection from other vehicles rather than being exposed to the inherent danger of traffic traveling on the freeway.

"The human body is no match for a 2,000-pound vehicle traveling on the freeway," Captain Dewayne Brantley stated. Brantley is the commander of the State Police’s Second District, which includes 350 troopers who patrol southeastern Michigan.

Brantley continued, "Troopers have seen too many people killed after exiting their vehicles, while waiting for help. The parked vehicle offers greater protection for the occupants, even if the car is disabled."

The Michigan State Police recommend the following guidelines in the event your vehicle becomes disabled:

• If possible, remove your vehicle from the traveled portion of the freeway and park it on the shoulder away from the lanes of traffic
• Contact police immediately if your vehicle was involved in a traffic accident using a cell phone if available
• Use a cell phone to contact a wrecker service if your vehicle has broken down
• Display a placard or sign stating "Call Police" or "Help" if you do not have a cell phone
• If it is necessary to exit your vehicle, be aware of passing traffic and walk directly to a place of safety, as far away from the roadway as possible
• Use added caution if the road is slick or icy, as it poses a greater risk that a passing motorist might lose control

"When a motorist gets out of their car, they become a pedestrian," Captain Dan Smith said. Smith is commander of the Special Operations Division, which includes the department’s Traffic Services Section.

"It is against the law to be a pedestrian on a freeway because of the great danger posed by walking or standing on an expressway," Smith added.

While conducting traffic stops, law enforcement officers put themselves in continual danger due to passing traffic. The state’s "Move Over" law, which requires drivers to move one lane over away from emergency vehicles when they are on the side of the expressway, was enacted to minimize this risk.

Contacts for the Media:

F/Lt. Dan Bateman, Michigan State Police, (586) 727-0200