Royal Oak, MI (December 12, 2024) – A semi-truck driver was arrested for reckless driving after crashing into a Michigan State Police patrol car on southbound I-75 near 11 Mile Road. The incident occurred at approximately 12:05 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, when three troopers were investigating a multi-vehicle crash near the 11 Mile ramp. The collision resulted in injuries to one trooper and caused significant disruption to the scene.
Two troopers were positioned on the left shoulder of the highway, speaking with drivers involved in the previous accident, while a third trooper was in their patrol car writing an incident report. As the semi-truck driver attempted to pass slowing traffic in the left lane, he lost control of the vehicle after braking suddenly, causing the tractor-trailer to veer off course. The semi-truck struck the patrol car, sending it more than 100 yards into an unoccupied police vehicle.
The semi continued down the left shoulder, heading straight toward the two troopers and a tow truck operator. Quick action by the troopers and tow truck driver, who jumped over a median wall, prevented further injuries. The truck then struck another vehicle that had been involved in the original crash.
Fortunately, only the trooper inside the struck patrol car was injured. He was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and was later released. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
“This incident had everything we have been talking about this last month,” said Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw. “First, a crash caused by risky driving behavior. Second, a driver going too fast, failing to move over for emergency vehicles and striking the patrol cars and people on the scene. Finally, responding troopers had to remove pedestrians from the freeway ramps who were trying to take photos for their favorite social media platform. We are continuing to ask drivers to slow down, move over, drive safe and please do not walk on the freeway.”
The investigation into the crash has been completed, and the freeway has since reopened.
Semi-Truck Accidents in Michigan
Semi-truck collisions, like the one that occurred on I-75 in Royal Oak, are a dangerous and often preventable type of accident. In this case, the truck driver’s failure to control the vehicle while attempting to pass and his disregard for the presence of emergency vehicles on the scene led to a crash that caused injury and further disruption to an already complex incident. This crash underscores the risks posed by large vehicles on busy highways, especially when drivers do not exercise caution in construction zones or at accident scenes.
Michigan has experienced a range of semi-truck-related accidents, many of which involve collisions with law enforcement vehicles or emergency responders. These incidents often occur due to excessive speed, distracted driving, or a lack of awareness of the laws designed to protect emergency workers. The “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing emergency vehicles, is crucial in preventing accidents like this one.
In this case, the quick actions of the Michigan State Police troopers and tow truck driver likely prevented further serious injuries. However, these types of collisions highlight the need for drivers to remain vigilant and always prioritize safety when traveling on highways. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers emergency responders face every day and the importance of obeying traffic laws to protect everyone on the road.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a crash, it is important to seek medical attention and consider legal assistance to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to recover from the incident.
Local Accident Reports remains committed to providing up-to-date information on traffic incidents in Michigan and across the region. Please drive safely and be aware of your surroundings at all times.