Scott's Law Safety: Loss of Local Firefighter Reminder to Move Over
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: March 13, 2013
MCLEAN COUNTY - Illinois State Police are cracking down on drivers who aren't obeying Scott's Law.
It requires people to change lanes or slow down when an emergency vehicle is parked on the side of a highway.
Not doing so can lead to major accidents.
Police say the recent loss of local firefighter Chris Brown is a tragic example.
Now the question remains...are drivers moving over?
Police Ride Along:
Vehicles traveling 65 miles an hour...or more.
"Every time an emergency worker goes out there to do their job, they're putting their lives on the line, said State Police Safety Education Officer Dustin Pierce. "We really need the public to pay attention and help keep them safe so they can return home."
Police say they're finding people violating Scott's Law each day.
We hit the road to find out if that's the case.
Two squad cars stationed on the side of Interstate 55.
In a few moments a driver goes whizzing by.
"It surprises me still," said Pierce. "The number of people that either don't know the law or not even paying attention."
Another too close...gets caught a few moments later.
"It is very frightening when you're out on the side of the interstate and cars go by you and they don't get over," said Pierce. "Because when they go by you at highway speeds your car will actually rock and you can tell they are very close to you."
Drivers say they're glad police are stepping up their game.
"I wish more and more people would get over," said Terry Cox.
"People don't realize that this vehicle right here weight a couple tons and if you run over someone you're gone," added Monica Blue.
They just hope the message sinks so tragedy doesn't strike again.
"We will continue to pick up enforcement on this," said Pierce.
You can face big fines for violating Scott's Law...upwards of $10,000.
Driver's licenses can also be suspended or revoked if violators are driving under the influence and property is damaged or a person is hurt.
It requires people to change lanes or slow down when an emergency vehicle is parked on the side of a highway.
Not doing so can lead to major accidents.
Police say the recent loss of local firefighter Chris Brown is a tragic example.
Now the question remains...are drivers moving over?
Police Ride Along:
Vehicles traveling 65 miles an hour...or more.
"Every time an emergency worker goes out there to do their job, they're putting their lives on the line, said State Police Safety Education Officer Dustin Pierce. "We really need the public to pay attention and help keep them safe so they can return home."
Police say they're finding people violating Scott's Law each day.
We hit the road to find out if that's the case.
Two squad cars stationed on the side of Interstate 55.
In a few moments a driver goes whizzing by.
"It surprises me still," said Pierce. "The number of people that either don't know the law or not even paying attention."
Another too close...gets caught a few moments later.
"It is very frightening when you're out on the side of the interstate and cars go by you and they don't get over," said Pierce. "Because when they go by you at highway speeds your car will actually rock and you can tell they are very close to you."
Drivers say they're glad police are stepping up their game.
"I wish more and more people would get over," said Terry Cox.
"People don't realize that this vehicle right here weight a couple tons and if you run over someone you're gone," added Monica Blue.
They just hope the message sinks so tragedy doesn't strike again.
"We will continue to pick up enforcement on this," said Pierce.
You can face big fines for violating Scott's Law...upwards of $10,000.
Driver's licenses can also be suspended or revoked if violators are driving under the influence and property is damaged or a person is hurt.
Comments
I am a semi driver of thrity five years and it's time that everyone start being kind to each other when you are one the road way everywhere.... I have been trapped in the right lane many times by the cars and pickups because they are in to big of a hurry to get no where, because some day it could be you and you get a ticket or kill someone. It's not worth a person's life!!!!!!
Beth B.
March 14, 2013 at 2:54 pm
