Hurley Encourages Safe Driving, Reminds Residents of Scott’s Law

CHICAGO – With winter weather and a busy holiday travel season nearing, state Rep. Fran Hurley is echoing recommendations from the Illinois State Police (ISP) encouraging drivers to avoid distractions and to be aware of stopped vehicles and other hazards on roads. 

“An alarming number of first responders have been seriously injured or killed on our roadways in recent years due to careless drivers,” Hurley said. “Whether it’s a state trooper or a construction worker, all of our workers on roadways deserve to go home to their families safe. But that can only happen if all drivers understand their responsibility and properly follow Scott’s Law.”

Illinois’ “Move Over Law” – better known as Scott’s Law – requires drivers to slow down, change lanes and proceed with caution when in contact with emergency vehicles that have their emergency lights flashing. The law’s name is in remembrance of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was hit and killed by a driver while responding to a vehicle collision. Violation of Scott’s Law results in a fine of between $250 and $10,000 for a first-time offense. In addition, violators risk their license being suspended for up to six months to two years if the incident results in an injury to another person.

In 2021, Hurley passed into law House Bill 3656, which created the Move Over Early Warning Task Force to review ways to reduce crashes and encourage safer driving practices.

To help illustrate the issue, ISP maintains an interactive map online that records Scott’s Law violations with on-duty ISP troopers. To view, visit: https://isp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=21430274bef64fc5a19d8dcc191ff3f8

“All drivers must remain focused on the road at all times with undivided attention,” Hurley said. “No text message is ever worth endangering human life. Stay alert and remember to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights.”