Secretary of State’s office reminding drivers to follow Scott’s Law

Posted on February 19, 2021
Since the beginning of the year, 10 Illinois State Police squad cars have been hit by motorists not moving over. (Facebook/Illinois State Police)

 

By Neil Doyle

SPRINGFIELD – Motorists are being reminded to move over and slow down for all stopped emergency vehicles.

“Since the beginning of the year, 10 Illinois State Police troopers have been victims of Scott’s Law-related crashes,” said Secretary of State Jesse White in a new release. “I am issuing a call to action: Pay attention while driving. If you see a stopped emergency vehicle on the side of the road, reduce speed and change lanes if possible.”

Motorists convicted of violating the state’s Move Over Law face a minimum fine of $250 up to $10,000, and the offense goes on their driving record. Driving privileges can be suspended for 24 months in the event of a fatality and six months for a crash causing personal injury.

The Secretary of State’s office added a reminder about the Move Over Law to driver’s license and vehicle registration renewal notices, produced an educational brochure and added a test question to the written driving exam.

Scott’s Law is named after Chicago Fire Lieutenant Scott Gillen who was struck and killed Dec. 23, 2000 while responding to a traffic crash.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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