PEORIA, Ill. — Workers for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police (ISP) commonly find themselves in a dangerous position on the side of highways and interstates.
An IDOT worker was injured Tuesday in a hit-and-run in a work zone, and an ISP trooper’s vehicle was struck Monday night in Moline during a traffic stop.
As more drivers get on the roadway this summer, both organizations are reminding drivers to keep everyone’s safety in mind when traveling.
ISP Trooper Omoayena Williams reminded Illinoisans of Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when a vehicle is pulled over on the side of the road.
“There is a misconception that Scott’s Law only pertains to first responders,” said Williams. “Scott’s Law is really for everybody.
“When you see a vehicle stranded, you are required to move over whether it’s an emergency vehicle or a regular vehicle with their hazards activated.”
Even if a car is next to someone that prevents them from moving over, Williams said there are still precautions that can be taken.
“You slow down as much as you can, below the posted speed limit, and move over as far as you can in your lane without endangering the vehicle in the other lane,” said Williams.
IDOT spokesperson Paul Wappel said safety is the top priority for their employees and drivers on the road.
“Whether you encounter a small crew patching potholes or multiple workers on the interstate doing a major project across several miles — they want to get home today just like you,” said Wappel.
As it relates to construction zones, Wappel said drivers should always be aware of changing conditions like speed limits and lane closures.
“They’re common sense rules that are meant to save your life and the lives of others,” said Wappel.
According to Wappel, four out of every five work zone fatalities are to drivers and passengers travelling through work zones, not workers.
One of the many reasons for Scott’s Law violations and work zone injuries, according to Wappel and Williams, is distracted driving.
“Please, don’t drive distracted — pay attention,” said Wappel. “Drop the phone and drive.”
“I always active do not disturb when I’m driving,” said Williams. “If you feel like you’re going to be tempted to look at your phone, leave it in the trunk.”
So far in 2021, more than 2,100 citations have been issued to drivers by ISP for violation of Scott’s Law.
“We would rather not issue citations — we would rather educate the public first,” said Williams. “For the first violation it’s $250, and any violation afterwards is $750.”
“If there’s property damage with no injuries, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for anywhere from 3-12 months.”
If a violation does result in an injury, the driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of six months.
All violations of Scott’s Law require a court appearance by the offender.
In 2019, ISP had 27 squad car crashes in relation to Scott’s Law. In 2020, that number dropped to 15.
So far in 2021, 13 squad cars have been struck in Scott’s Law violations, far outpacing last year’s total.
“The roadway is our office,” said Williams. “We just want an opportunity to be able to perform our duty safely and keep the public safe as well.”
Full interview with Williams:
Full interview with Wappel:
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