With the tragic death of yet another State Trooper on March 28 nearby Freeport, State Representative Ryan Spain is reminding motorists to slow down and move over for any stopped vehicle on roadside shoulders.
“15 State Police vehicles have been hit by motorists since January 1st,” said Rep. Spain. “Enough is enough. As we send our prayers to the family and friends of Trooper Brooke Jones-Story, we should all honor her memory by changing our behavior every single time we drive a vehicle.”
Trooper Jones-Story is the second line of duty death among the Illinois State Police in 2019. Under “Scott’s Law” in Illinois, drivers are required to move over for emergency vehicles parked on the roadside shoulder. Drivers are required to give a lane of space.
“It can wait. Anything on your phone, any delay due to safety, it can all wait to ensure safety of our roadways,” said Rep. Spain. “We all need to take personal responsibility on protecting our first responders as well as our fellow motorists. We all must change our behaviors to put safety first.”
Rep. Spain signed on as a Co-Sponsor of House Bill 2417, which enhances penalties for violation of “Scott’s Law”, requires driver drop their speeds significantly when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights, and adds further teeth to enforcement activities when the violation results in the injury or death of another person.