SPRINGFIELD – Following the 23rd Scott’s Law related crash involving the Illinois State Police (ISP) on Tuesday night, State Representative Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) urges 20th District constituents and all Illinois drivers to slow down and move over to protect first responders.
“It’s extremely disappointing and frustrating that we continue to have these preventable crashes involving first responders,” said Rep. Stephens. “I urge 20th District residents, whether they’re driving on the Kennedy or the backroads of rural Illinois, to please slow down and move over for emergency vehicles or vehicles with emergency or hazard lights activated. This small step can save time, property, and lives. Don’t let saving a moment mean potentially costing a life.”
On November 15th at approximately 10:20 p.m., an ISP trooper was stationary in the left lane of I-290 eastbound near Pulaski Road. The emergency lights were activated to investigate a traffic crash. An eastbound Chevrolet Silverado failed to yield and struck the right side of the squad car. The trooper was inside the car when it crashed and no injuries were reported.
This is the 23rd Scott’s Law related crash involving ISP in 2022. The previous crashes this year were in Winnebago, Sangamon, Will, Woodford, Champaign, DuPage, McLean, Cook, Kankakee, Wayne, and Jefferson Counties. On October 18th, a fatal Scott’s Law related crash occurred on the bridge over the Mississippi River by Gulf Port, Illinois. Both workers who were hit died from their injuries. Forty minutes before that, a state trooper was hit by a semi-truck, who was injured when investigating a hit-and-run accident partially inside a truck’s cab.
The Move Over Law, also known as “Scott’s Law,” requires drivers to slow down AND move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated. A person who violates it commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation injures another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended between six months and two years.
“This time of year, especially with slick roads, icky weather conditions, and pressing schedules, don’t forget the importance that small steps make in saving a life,” Rep. Stephens continued. “Slowing down and moving over is the least we can do for the brave men and women who work hard to keep Illinoisans safe every day. Let’s make sure they can make it home each and every day.”