Edly-Allen Leading on Initiative to Protect First Responders from Reckless Drivers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In the wake of an alarming rise in police fatalities during routine traffic stops, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, is backing reforms to improve compliance with the law and keep first responders safe.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe,” Edly-Allen said. “The alarming increase in collisions between motorists and police makes it clear that more must be done to keep police officers safe.”

Edly-Allen is sponsoring Senate Bill 1862, which increases penalties for violations of Illinois’ Scott’s Law, also known as the ‘move over’ law, which requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle to reduce their speed and change lanes. Edly-Allen’s measure strengthens Scott’s Law to match penalties for speeding in a construction zone.

Under the Edly-Allen backed measure, the penalty for a Scott’s Law violation without injury or vehicle damage would increase from $100 to $500; a violation resulting in damage to a vehicle would increase from a 90 day license suspension to a Class A Misdemeanor; a violation resulting in injury or death would increase from a 280 day license suspension to a Class 4 Felony; and the penalty for a reckless homicide resulting from a violation of Scott’s Law would increase from a Class 3 felony to a Class 2 felony.

“These tragedies are entirely preventable and occur when reckless drivers make dangerous decisions and refuse to obey the law,” said Edly-Allen. “Strengthening Scott’s Law is a step towards enhancing safety and increasing awareness on Illinois roadways to keep our first responders safe.”