Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) aimed toward helping to protect first responders on Illinois roads was signed into law on August 12.
Scott’s Law, known as the state’s Move Over Law, is designed to protect law enforcement and emergency responders who are stopped along the side of roadways. However, over the years, violations of this safety law have increased at an alarming rate.
Senate Bill 1913 will increase the penalty for Scott’s Law violators, giving judges the authority to mandate community service hours for violators.
“Our first responders already shoulder a heavy burden to protect and serve. The last thing they should have to worry about are distracted, speeding or irresponsible drivers,” said Sen. Fowler. “The legislation signed today is about strengthening an already existing law to safeguard our law enforcement and emergency personnel as they work to care for and help those in their communities.”
Under Scott’s Law, when motorists approach a stationary police or emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals, a driver must:
· Proceed with due caution.
· If possible, yield the right-of-way by making a full lane change not adjacent to the police of emergency vehicle.
· If changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, you must proceed with due caution, reduce your speed, and leave a safe distance until past the emergency vehicle.