Illinois State Police Squad Car Struck by DUI in Scott’s Law Related Crash
This is the 16th Scott’s Law violation involving an ISP squad car this year
On August 20, 2022, at approximately 2:34 a.m., Illinois State Police officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving an ISP District 21 Trooper on US Route 45 at 5152 S. Road in Kankakee County.
On the above date and time, an ISP District 21 Trooper was stationary at the above location outside of the squad car with emergency lights activated, investigating a prior traffic crash. The driver of the previously crashed vehicle and the Trooper were standing in front of the squad car. A green Chevrolet Trail Blazer, traveling southbound on US Route 45, failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and struck the rear of the ISP squad car.
The ISP Trooper and the driver of the previously crashed vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured, 24-year-old Austin M. Gray of Chebanse was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and a violation of Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of an Emergency Vehicle Causing Injury to Another. A person who violates Scott’s Law, 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.
So far this year, there have been 16 ISP squad cars struck in relation to the Move Over Law and seven Troopers have sustained injuries from Move Over Law-related crashes. ISP is reminding the public of the requirements of the Move Over Law, otherwise known as the “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.
