Moylan Applauds Update of Scott’s Law in Response to State Police Tragedies

DES PLAINES, Ill. – In the wake of multiple tragic incidents involving motorists crashing into Illinois State Police troopers, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is applauding the recent signing of an update to the state’s law that requires drivers to move over and slow down for stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles on the road.

“It was heartbreaking to see the impact these tragic incidents have had on the men and women who serve as members of the Illinois State Police,” Moylan said. “These troopers put their lives on the line every day, which is why it is on all drivers to make sure they pay attention and drive safely free of distraction.”

Drivers have crashed into Illinois State Police vehicles 22 times already this year. In three of the incidents a trooper was killed. Moylan supported an update to the state’s “Scott’s Law,” a law that requires motorists to change lanes and take precautionary steps to slow down if they see flashing emergency lights on the side of the road. Scott’s Law is named after a Chicago firefighter who was killed in 2000 at an accident scene.

Under the new law introduced as Senate Bill 1862, drivers who break Scott’s Law will face stiffer fines. A minimum fine for a first violation will cost $250. For a second violation, the driver will have to pay at least $750. A question on Scott’s Law will now also be included on the state’s driver’s license test.

A new Move Over Task Force has also been created through Senate Bill 2038. This task force will be comprised of lawmakers, first responders and representatives from relevant state agencies to provide recommendations to the General Assembly on how to address violations of Scott’s Law and similar move over concerns.

“There is nothing that should prevent someone from focusing on the road,” Moylan said. “Ensuring that drivers understand the consequences of our state’s road safety laws is critical to preventing future tragedies.”

For more information, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.