(WSIL) -- With multiple recent crashes involving Illinois State Police (ISP) Troopers, Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly implores motorists to respect the Move Over Law and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles on interstates and roads.
In the past three days, six ISP squad cars have been struck due to motorists disobeying the Move Over Law (also known as Scott’s Law), bringing the year-to-date total to 10 in 2021. Three of these recent incidents resulted in injuries, including one serious injury.
These incidents occurred across the state in ISP District(s) 2, 5, 13, 16 and Chicago.
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“We are only six weeks into the new year and we’ve already had ten squad cars struck because people do not obey the law,� said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. “But this about more than just obeying the law- it’s about basic decency and respect for the very lives of the brave souls on our streets simply trying to help the public.�
In the inclement weather, motorists are encouraged to stay home. If travel cannot be avoided or delayed, drivers should allow plenty of time for travel, avoid tailgating, reduce speed, pay attention to the road and slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.
Following winter driving tips will help reduce accidents and injuries, but staying home, if possible, is the safest choice right now.
The Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated.
The law also states, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, drivers are required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle. Move Over and Slow Down. Help us help you.
