GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Following the death of a Michigan State Police trooper who was hit and killed during a traffic stop, experts are urging drivers to focus while on the roads.
"It's very devastating," said Jim Fantilli, CEO of the Transportation Improvement Association.
According to him, deadly crashes like this are preventable, but it all comes down to choice.
"We can, you know, choose to avoid distractions, abide by the speed limit, make sure we're not running red lights, wear our safety belts," said Santilli.
A choice he says is often surprisingly difficult for drivers.
"I think it's so addicting, the distracted driving," he said. "People, you know, a lot of times when you speak to them, they'll tell you it's dangerous but they still revert back to it."
So how can you help prevent a deadly crash? Lieutenant Michelle Robinson with the Michigan State Police says you need to give people space on the roadside.
"We encourage motorists to move over and give first responders and motorists room," she said. "If they are broke down, if they're disabled on the side of the roads, give them that room and the courtesy so that nobody has to face this kind of tragedy in their lives."
She said hitting the brakes is also helpful.
"We're seeing a huge increase in speeds out on the roadways and individuals that are being aggressive and not courteous to other drivers," said Lt. Robinson. "If it takes you an extra two or three minutes to get to your location, it's worth the wait to get there safely and you're not putting yourself or somebody else in harm's way."
Robinson said she also often sees people put phones in their laps to try and hide them from officers while they're driving, which of course takes your eyes even further off the road while looking down.
She suggested a mount on your dashboard to keep it out of your hands.
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