SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (April 1, 2019) — This week, in response to the spike in traffic fatalities, injuries, and vehicle collisions to Illinois State Troopers Representative Tony McCombie co-sponsored an amendment to Scott’s Law (also known as the ‘Move Over Law’). This law increases penalties for people that fail to slow down or move over when a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road.
Sadly, seventeen State Troopers have been struck this year. In 2018, eight collisions occurred. According to the Illinois State Police the common denominator is distracted driving.
“Emergency vehicles and people pulled over on the side of the road are at a higher risk now than ever before due to distracted driving,” said Rep McCombie. “Every week when I drive to and from Springfield, I see people get dangerously close to cars on the side of the road. I urge drivers to pay attention and understand the risk to the people they are endangering.”
House Bill 2417, whose Chief Sponsor is Rep Tim Butler of Springfield, amends Scott’s Law to make failing to move over or Slow Down for a vehicle on the side of the road the same penalty enhancement as if one was in a construction zone.
Four Illinois State Troopers have been needlessly and tragically killed by distracted and reckless drivers in 2019.
April 1 is designated as Illinois State Trooper Day in the State of Illinois in the State’s Commemorative Dates Act.
