Hoffman Meets with Illinois State Police Director to Discuss Rising Collision Rates

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, met with Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly this week to discuss the risks police officers face during routine highway patrol traffic stops and efforts that should be pursued to address the rise in collisions.

“It is only the beginning of April and this year alone more than 14 state troopers have been struck on Illinois roadways,” said Hoffman. “These incidents underscore the extreme disregard and lack of awareness among Illinois motorists. Now more than ever, something needs to be done to raise public awareness regarding this issue to keep police men and women safe.” 

Since Jan. 1, there have been 14 collisions involving motorists and Illinois State Police officers conducting routine traffic stops, including one fatality. Hoffman and colleagues from officials across the state have begun discussing paths forward to raise and promote public awareness of Scott’s Law – the “Move Over Law” – as well as changing existing law to ensure safer protections for police men and women.

“These men and women put their lives in jeopardy every single day to keep the public safe,” Hoffman said. “It is clear that more remains to be done to reduce existing dangers for police while also ensuring greater public safety.”