The Illinois State Police are reminding drivers to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles and any vehicle with flashing lights as today is Scott’s Law Day.
“Today is Scott’s Law Day, please take a moment to reflect on why this law was created,” the Island Lake Police Department said on Thursday.
The law was created after Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen was fatally struck by an intoxicated driver on December 23, 2000, while assisting at a crash scene.
Gillen’s family’s life was forever changed, leaving a wife and five daughters without a husband and father, Island Lake police said in a social media post.
“His death is a tragedy, and it did not need to happen. The Give Them Distance safety campaign calls on drivers to be alert to any vehicle on the side of the road with emergency or hazard lights flashing,” Island Lake police said in the post.
The Illinois State Police (ISP) said Thursday they would like to remind the motoring public of the requirements of Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the “Move Over” law.
When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down and move over.
In the last five years, the ISP has seen an increased number of crashes involving Scott’s Law.
In 2021, there have been a total of 22 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s Law violations and 13 troopers have sustained injuries from Scott’s Law-related crashes.
A person who violates Scott’s Law 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 results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly continues to make the Move Over Law a top priority.
“True winter weather road conditions have yet to reach Illinois,” Kelly said.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to pay attention to the road and drive responsibly. Our Troopers are out there making sure those people stuck on the side of the road are safe, so please protect the troopers that are trying to protect you,” he said.