By Neil Doyle
With an increase in the number of Illinois State Troopers being hit by passing motorists, Secretary of State Jesse White is reiterating a simple idea: don’t drive while distracted and obey laws that require drivers to make room on the road.
So far in 2019, 16 state troopers have been struck or killed by passing vehicles.
“We ask people who drive on our roads to stop driving while being distracted, stop texting, and stop driving while being impaired,” said White.
In Illinois, when motorists see any kind of emergency vehicle at work on a major highway, they’re required to slow down and change lanes, provided they can safely do so. The goal is to get moving traffic away from anyone working on the shoulder. These requirements are commonly known at Scott’s Law in honor of Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
“Beginning July 1, anyone convicted of texting while driving will receive a ticket, as in the past it was just a warning, ” White added. “Individuals who decide to stay in the right lane and not obey Scott’s Law can get a ticket possibly up to $10,000.”
To educate new drivers, the Illinois State Police and the State Board of Education are giving out a new pamphlet in driver education programs to help spread awareness about Scott’s Law.
Last week, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would require the Secretary of State’s office to include a reminder about the law in registration renewal notices and a question on the written driver’s exam.
The bill still needs approval from the House and governor.
Neil Doyle can be reached at neil.doyle@cumulus.com
