SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois State Police announced on Sunday a special enforcement of the Move Over (Scott’s) Law details in honor of fallen Trooper Christopher Lambert.
On Jan. 12, 2019, Trooper Lambert was killed in the line of duty while on scene of a three-vehicle traffic crash on I-294 near Chicago.
Another vehicle failed to stop and struck Trooper Lambert while he was outside of his patrol car.
ISP Sgt. Delila Garcia said the enforcement detail, which began Sunday, January 12, “will focus on making Illinois roadways safer by raising awareness of the Move Over Law.”
The statewide enforcement runs through Saturday, Jan. 18.
In 2019, 27 ISP stationary squad cars were struck by vehicles and drivers who violated the Move Over (Scott’s) Law, higher than the number of all ISP crashes of this sort that occurred in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Two of these crashes resulted in the deaths of Trooper Christopher Lambert and Trooper Brooke Jones-Story.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said, “In one of his final acts, Trooper Christopher Lambert placed himself and his squad car between the public and danger. This act of courage is a testament to his noble character and embodies the true mission of ISP, to serve with integrity and pride. We will continue to honor Trooper Lambert’s legacy, and we ask the public to join our efforts. Slow down and, if possible, move over if you see a police or other emergency vehicles stopped along the roadway.”
Effective Jan. 1, violators of Illinois’ Move Over (Scott’s) Law will be fined no less than $250 for a first offense and no less than $750 for a subsequent offense. If the violation involves property damage, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period anywhere between 3 to 12 months. 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 6 months and two years.
The Move Over (Scott’s) Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The law also states, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, drivers are required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.
Trooper Lambert began his ISP career in 2013 and graduated with Cadet Class 123. He served honorably in the United States Army for eight years. He is survived by his wife, children and parents.
