Macon County Sheriff’s Deputies will increase patrols for “Scott Law” violations during the month of October in Macon County

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECATUR – Sheriff Jim Root has announced that Macon County Sheriff’s Deputies will increase patrols for “Scott Law” violations during the month of October in Macon County.  Scott’s Law is the Illinois law that requires motorists, when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped along the roadway, to change lanes if possible, stop or drastically reduce speed.  The law was enacted in 2002 and named after Lieutenant Scott Gillen, Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver on the Dan Ryan Expressway.  In 2017 the law was extended to protect all stopped or disabled vehicles displaying flashing warning lights on the roadway. 

In October 2017 tow truck operator Chris Moore was assisting with a stranded motorist on Interstate 72 near Argenta, Illinois when he was struck by a vehicle.  In August 2020 service truck operator Erick Ervin was killed after a tractor trailer struck his vehicle on Interstate 72.  Earlier this year, a tow truck operator was killed in Champaign County after a violation of Scott’s  Law.  Illinois State Police has reported 18 squad cars struck this year in relation to the Move Over Law.  

First Offense violator can face a fine of $250-$10,000.  In additions to fines if the violation involves property damage (accident) the violator’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of 3-12 months.

“Slow down, move over.”