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MOTORISTS REMINDER TO MOVE OVER FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               December 21, 2007/rd

Springfield, IL - The holiday season in Illinois often brings more than just good cheer. With the advent of winter, the threat of severe winter weather becomes a concern for drivers—particularly as thousands of motorists hit the highways to visit family and friends. With this in mind, State Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) is reminding Illinois residents that it is more important than ever to travel with care, and in the event an accident occurs, yield to emergency vehicles.

 

For more than six years, Illinois motorists have been required to change lanes and slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights on roadways. The law, known as Scott’s Law, may not receive as much attention as other moving violations, but it is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel and others responding to accidents and stranded motorists.

 

“Scott’s Law was passed in 2001 in response to the death of Scott Gillen, a Chicago firefighter who was killed by a drunk driver while assisting at the scene of an accident,” said Rutherford. “While the simple act of changing lanes seems like a very trivial action, it could be the difference between life and death for emergency personnel working on Illinois highways.”

 

Specifically, Scott’s Law requires motorists to:

 

bullet When being approached by an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals, yield and immediately drive to the right and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass. If stopped at an intersection with two-way traffic, remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
bullet When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle using visual signals, proceed with caution, yield and change to a lane away from the emergency vehicle.
bullet When approaching or entering a highway construction or maintenance area, slow down, yield to any authorized vehicle or pedestrian working within the area, proceed with caution, and change to a lane away from the workers. 
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Penalties for violating the law include:

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bullet Fines up to $10,000.
bullet If violation results in property damage: 90-day to one-year driver's license suspension.
bullet If violation results in injury to another person: 180-day to two-year driver's license suspension.
bullet If violation results in the death of another person: two-year driver's license suspension.
bullet If violation occurs under the influence of drugs or alcohol: 90-day driver's license suspension.

 

“By abiding by Scott’s Law and the other rules of the road, Illinois motorists can ensure that they, and those they share the road with, can reach their destinations safely this holiday season,” said Rutherford.

 

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