Local State Police Mourn Officer, Warn Drivers to Pay Attention
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: November 26, 2012
METAMORA -The state police force is urging drivers to look out for officers on the road.
"Scott's Law" mandates drivers move over into another lane or slow down, when a state police officer is parked along the road. State Trooper Dustin Pierce of District 8 said he's seen too many accidents like Monday's crash that led to the death of 32 year old state trooper Kyle Deatherage.
In December 2006, a District 8 trooper was seriously injured when his squad car was struck by a semi, while he assisted a tow truck on the interstate. His vehicle's emergency lights were turned on.
Monday, Pierce and his fellow officers wore mourning bands across their badges in honor of the fallen officer.
"We have troopers, deputies, officers on the roadways all the time doing various things--traffic stops, helping out stranded motorists, handling crashes or removing debris from the road. It's very important that people are paying attention and moving over allowing them to do their jobs," Pierce said.
Drivers face at least a $120 fine, if caught by police. In case of injury, property damage or death, drivers face up to $10,000 in fines and loss of a drivers license for up to two years.
"Scott's Law" mandates drivers move over into another lane or slow down, when a state police officer is parked along the road. State Trooper Dustin Pierce of District 8 said he's seen too many accidents like Monday's crash that led to the death of 32 year old state trooper Kyle Deatherage.
In December 2006, a District 8 trooper was seriously injured when his squad car was struck by a semi, while he assisted a tow truck on the interstate. His vehicle's emergency lights were turned on.
Monday, Pierce and his fellow officers wore mourning bands across their badges in honor of the fallen officer.
"We have troopers, deputies, officers on the roadways all the time doing various things--traffic stops, helping out stranded motorists, handling crashes or removing debris from the road. It's very important that people are paying attention and moving over allowing them to do their jobs," Pierce said.
Drivers face at least a $120 fine, if caught by police. In case of injury, property damage or death, drivers face up to $10,000 in fines and loss of a drivers license for up to two years.
