Mussman Promotes Driver Safety Law Through Give Them Distance Initiative

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is highlighting a new driver safety campaign called Give Them Distance to spread awareness about Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the Move Over Law.

“People working outside of vehicles that are pulled over on our highways and residential streets need to have safe space in which to do their jobs and address emergencies,” Mussman said. “The Give Them Distance effort is intended to educate everyday drivers about the importance of slowing down and shifting into the next lane to provide all parked cars, whether emergency services, utility workers, stranded travelers, etc, with the appropriate space for them to maneuver without fear of being struck by your moving vehicle. The Give Them Distance law imposes stiff penalties on drivers who fail to take these precautions.”

In 2002, the first Move Over law was implemented to increase emergency services’ ability to safely assist people in danger. Through the Give Them Distance initiative, Mussman wants drivers to know that new penalties have been added that could result in a minimum $10,000 fine, a two-year suspension of driving privileges and even possible jail time for extreme circumstances. Mussman is encouraging people to visit https://www.illinoistollway.com/givethemdistance for more information about the law.

“Roads can become a dangerous place if people are not paying enough attention,” Mussman said. “Understanding the safety risk our own vehicle comprises and the dire personal consequences of carelessness should encourage us all to be more vigilant about safe driving practices.”