Branch County tragedy brings state’s “Move Over” law to the forefront, violations punishable by up to 15 years in prison

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A horrific crash on Interstate 69 in Branch County last week has turned fatal after 46-year-old Road Commission employee Casey Rice succumbed to his injuries, underscoring the deadly risks faced by roadside workers.

Rice was operating a mowing tractor along the southbound lanes last Thursay, when a semi-truck violently struck his tractor despite prominent work zone warning signs.

The impact shut down the highway for nine hours and Rice was airlifted to a Kalamazoo trauma center, where he later died. Michigan State Police are investigating the crash and have indicated that drug use by the truck driver may have been a contributing factor but have not yet made an arrest.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that Michigan’s Move Over law applies to all workers on the sides of the road, including emergency, maintenance, and utility crews.

The law legally mandates that drivers shift over one full lane or slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit when encountering these vehicles with flashing lights.

Violating this law results in a $400 fine and points on a driver’s license. However, the penalties escalate drastically if a worker is harmed, carrying severe felony charges of up to 15 years in prison for causing a roadside fatality.

In a release today MSP says “Let this preventable tragedy serve as a reminder that road workers of all kinds are regularly working in and around our roadways during the warmer months,” troopers said. “We can all help keep them safe by staying alert, recognizing their presence early, slowing down, and moving over whenever possible. If you cannot safely change lanes, reduce your speed and proceed with extreme caution.”