Mason Highlights Importance of Safe, Courteous Driving on Scott’s Law Day

GURNEE, Ill. – To highlight the importance of safe, courteous, and defensive driving, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is observing Scott’s Law Day. It’s held annually on Dec. 23 throughout Illinois to honor public safety workers and remind drivers to slow down or change lanes when passing by an emergency service vehicle on the road.

“Our public safety workers do a great service for our communities each and every day,” Mason said. “The least we can do is remain vigilant while driving, and slow down, stop, or change lanes when necessary to ensure emergency service vehicles can safely do their jobs.”

Scott’s Law, also known as the Move Over Law, requires that drivers slow down, change lanes, proceed with caution and be prepared to stop when emergency vehicles or other vehicles display emergency lights. Scott’s Law is named in honor of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed by a driver while on the scene of a vehicle collision.

Mason has supported several measures to strengthen Scott’s Law, including Senate Bill 1862, which strengthened penalties and increased driver education on the law, and Senate Bill 1913, which expanded penalties to include community service. Mason also supported House Bill 3656 to create a task force to explore further updates to Scott’s Law, including the use of technology to provide warnings to drivers about road hazards.

“This day of observance for Scott’s Law affords us an opportunity to appreciate public safety workers for all they do for our community,” Mason said. “It is also a chance to emphasize safe driving practices and the importance of following safety rules and traffic conditions on the road in order to keep us all safe.”