Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White issued an urgent reminder to motorists to adhere to the State’s Move Over Law, also known as Scott’s Law. It was designed to protect Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders who are stopped on the side of roadways.
White underscored the importance of not driving while distracted–with a special emphasis on avoiding texting while driving at all times.
“Since the beginning of the year, ten Illinois State Police Troopers have been victims of Scott’s Law-related crashes,” said White. “I am issuing a call to action. Pay attention while driving. If you see a stopped emergency vehicle on the side of the road, reduce speed and change lanes if possible. We have a responsibility to drive safely. We have a duty to protect those who protect us, by moving over when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with lights flashing. Aside from that, it is the law.”
Motorists convicted of violating the Move Over Law face a minimum fine of $250 up to $10,000. The offense goes on their driving record. Driving privileges can be suspended for 24 months in the event of a fatality and six months for a crash causing personal injury.
White has taken steps to increase public awareness about protecting those who protect us. His office
- added a reminder about the Move Over Law to Driver’s License and vehicle registration renewal notices
- produced an educational brochure
- added a test question to the written Driving Exam.
In addition, White initiated a law that strengthened the State’s efforts to combat texting while driving. He calls motorists to avoid distracted driving and to stop texting while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motorist traveling at 55 mph takes his or her eyes off the road, on average, for five seconds when sending or reading a text. This equates to driving blindly for the length of a football field.
White initiated a July 1, 2019, law that further cracked down on texting while driving by classifying first-time offenses as Moving Violations. Under the previous law, which took effect in 2014, second and subsequent Texting-While-Driving offenses were treated as moving violations, while first offenses were treated as Non-moving Violations.
Scott’s Law is named after Chicago Fire Lieutenant Scott Gillen. He was struck and killed December 23, 2000, while responding to a traffic crash.