ILLINOIS SCOTT’S LAW SET TO TURN FIVE
More than five years ago, a Chicago firefighter died after being struck by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash scene.The death of Lt. Scott Gillen prompted the state to create Scott’s Law, a measure requiring motorist to yield to emergency vehicles or face stiff punishments. It went into effect Jan. 1, 2002. As it approaches its fifth anniversary, Scott’s Law has brought stricter penalties for the drivers who have received more than 4,600 tickets and 8,800 warnings from the Illinois State Police.
In District 2, which includes DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties, 339 tickets and warnings have been issued by state troopers, Capt. Jeff Hedrich said “One of the greatest dangers posed to troopers and highway maintenance workers is being struck by a vehicle,” said Hedrich, the district’s commander. “Too many of my guys have gotten hurt.”
Local emergency-services leaders said that even though many motorists had taken steps to be more careful, some close calls still did occur. “I think the law educates the public a little more now, and it also gives us more recourse if someone isn’t obeying,” said Algonquin Police Sgt. Wade Merritt, who heads the patrol division.
Motorists can face fines of up to $10,000 for violations. Intoxicated drivers would be subject to license suspension of up to two years, not including possible criminal charges, if someone dies in a Scott’s Law-related accident.
The law pertains to all emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles, displaying oscillating, rotating or flashing lights. It also requires drivers to change lanes, if safe to do so, or reduce speed and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights.
“It’s a constant challenge we all face,” Crystal Lake Fire Chief James Moore said. “People are in a hurry to get places and just ignore us.”
In the past year, Moore said, Crystal Lake firetrucks and ambulances that were on calls were involved in crashes caused by motorists who failed to yield.
Construction workers do not fare much better. Statewide, there are an average of 6,700 crashes in highway work zones every year, resulting in 2,800 injuries. In 2005, there were 26 work-zone fatalities, including one worker. So far in 2006, there have been 23 work-zone fatalities, including one worker.
“Each year, we have between five and 10 of our trucks hit by drivers, and countless other close calls as our workers are out on the roads,” Illinois Department of Transportation Director Timothy Martin said in a statement.
Scott’s Law facts
– Enacted Jan. 1, 2002, the law requires drivers to yield to change lanes (if safe to do so) or reduce speed and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying its flashing warning lights.
– Law is named for Chicago firefighter Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated motorist while working at a crash scene on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
– Drivers cited for violating the law face up to a $10,000 fine. If the driver is found to be intoxicated at the time of the violation, his driver’s license could be subject to suspension, depending on the severity of the incident. Criminal charges also can result.
– Since 2002, the Illinois State Police have issued more than 4,600 tickets and 8,800 written warnings for Scott’s Law violations. In District 2, which covers Kane and McHenry counties, troopers have issued 339 tickets or written warnings.