Illinois State Police car hit on I-55, 10th Scott’s Law violation this year

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — An Illinois State Trooper’s squad car was hit by a driver who State Police said failed to move over on Tuesday.

State Police said it happened on southbound Interstate 55 at milepost 217 in Livingston County, just before 3 a.m. A trooper was parked in the right lane behind a vehicle that was involved in a previous crash.

The squad car had its emergency lights on when officials said it was hit by a Chevrolet Express van. The trooper was inside the squad car during the crash but was not hurt. The squad car had to be towed from the scene, as it suffered disabling damage.

The Nebraska man who was driving the van was charged with driving too fast for conditions, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and a Scott’s Law/Move Over Law violation.

This is the 10th Move Over Law-related crash for the Illinois State Police this year. Last year, State Police said they experienced 27 Move Over Law-related crashes, which left 12 troopers injured and one dead. In 2023, State Police had 21 Move Over Law-related crashes that left seven troopers hurt.

State Police are using this latest crash to remind the public of the Move Over Law, also called Scott’s Law. All drivers are required to change lanes when approaching any vehicle with emergency lights activated. Anyone who fails to follow this law could face a fine between $250 and $1,000 for their first offense.

If the violation results in an injury, the violator’s driver’s license could be suspended for six months to two years.

More information about State Police related crashes can be found here.