DUQUOIN – On July 4, 2023, at approximately 12:36 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving an ISP Trooper’s squad car on Interstate 57 southbound near Milepost 69, in Browning Township, Franklin County.
On the above date and time, an ISP Troop 10 Trooper was stationary on Interstate 57 southbound near Milepost 69 with emergency lights activated. The trooper was conducting traffic control for a previous crash in the center median, when a Lincoln MKZ, traveling southbound, failed to move over and sideswiped the passenger side of the ISP squad car. The Trooper was inside of the squad car at the time of the crash but was uninjured.
The driver of the Lincoln, 41-year-old Terrence R. Vance of West Centralia, IL, was also uninjured. Vance was issued citations for Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of an Emergency Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Transportation/Possession of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle – Driver.
So far this year, ISP had 11 Move Over Law-related crashes. In 2022, ISP had 23 Move Over Law-related crashes where eight Troopers sustained injuries. ISP is reminding the public of the requirements of the Move Over Law, otherwise known as “Scott’s Law”.
When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down AND move over.
A person who violates Scott’s Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense.
If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.