Moylan Co-Sponsors Scott’s Law Update, Encourages Motorists to Slow Down while Passing Stopped Vehicles

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After multiple fatal crashes involving routine traffic stops conducted by Illinois State Police officers, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is co-sponsoring a recently introduced proposal to better educate drivers on how to approach a stopped emergency vehicle, as well as a plan to increase penalties for drivers who recklessly endanger emergency responders on the highway.

“We need to protect those who have sworn to serve and protect us,” Moylan said. “The recent string of crashes that killed Illinois State Police troopers were avoidable, and we need to take the appropriate steps to keep our brave men and women safe while out on the streets.”

Under Scott’s Law, drivers are supposed to lower their speed, change lanes if possible and make an effort to proceed with caution past a stopped emergency vehicle while their lights are flashing. With reports of 16 crashes involving Illinois State Police vehicles already this year, Moylan has decided to co-sponsor Senate Bill 1862 which would increase fines and other penalties for violations of Scott’s Law. Penalties would be increased if an individual injures or kills an officer.

Additionally, Moylan is supporting Senate Bill 2038, which would require the Secretary of State to include a question regarding Scott’s Law on the written driver’s test, as well as create a “Move Over Task Force” to review ways to reduce the risk of highway collisions with stopped vehicles.

“This issue is personal for me, my grandfather was killed while on duty,” Moylan said. “We need to protect our officers who are trying to protect us. We need to slow down, be cautious and respect law enforcement while they are performing a traffic stop.”

For more information about Scott’s Law, or any other questions relating to the issue, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.