Scott's Law violations on the rise in Illinois, Dan Ryan and Eisenhower are 'danger zones'
Move Over and Slow Down on the Highway
For the past eight years, Illinois State Trooper Ron Howe has patrolled the state’s highways on the overnight shift—a job where danger is just another part of the routine.
Despite the risks, Howe remains committed—not just for the badge, but for his family.
"I am married and I have an 18-month-old little girl," he shared.
Howe's dedication means swapping bedtime stories for flashing lights and speeding cars.
Danger Zones on the Job
"The Dan Ryan and the Eisenhower are our two biggest danger zones for troopers out here, purely because of the speeds," said Howe.
He’s experienced close calls firsthand.
"I’ve had three squad cars hit since I’ve been out here," Howe said. "Each time, I was outside the car when it happened."
During a recent ride-along, FOX 32 witnessed several violations of Scott’s Law, which mandates drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
"We are southbound passing 63rd," crackled the police radio as Howe counted three cars failing to comply along the Dan Ryan and I-57.
Howe stopped one female driver who was completely unaware of Scott’s Law. She received a citation and an on-the-spot education.
"If you see flashing lights from any emergency vehicle, you must move over and slow down," Howe told her.
A Growing Concern
This year alone, 25 crashes caused by Scott’s Law violations have left 12 Illinois troopers injured. Many of these incidents occurred in Chicagoland.
"We’ve had six Scott’s Law-related crashes in Chicagoland in the last eight weeks," said Captain Patrick Manno of Illinois State Police Troop 3. "Three of those troopers were hurt and sent to the hospital."
Too Close for Comfort
Recent crash reports paint a grim picture:
- December 15, I-55, DuPage County: A trooper narrowly escaped disaster when a car slammed into their squad during an investigation. The driver was cited.
- November 5, I-94: A speeding car hit a squad car at an accident site, injuring the trooper. The driver was arrested for DUI, cannabis possession, and multiple traffic violations.
- October 29, Will County: A drunk driver crashed into a parked squad car while a trooper handled a crash. Fortunately, the trooper was outside. The driver was arrested for DUI and cited for violating Scott’s Law.
The Law Is Clear
The law mandates that drivers must slow down and move over when approaching any vehicle with flashing emergency lights. Violating Scott’s Law carries a minimum fine of $250, with potential penalties including license suspension and even jail time for serious offenses.
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A Call to Action
These crashes are stark reminders that slowing down and moving over isn’t just the law—it’s a lifesaving act.
"We do want to go home to our families every day," Manno emphasized.
The Illinois State Police is the first in the nation to partner with Waze, sharing real-time GPS data through Google Cloud to alert drivers about crashes, traffic stops, and more. This week, ISP will announce a new partnership that will spread the message about Scott's law using even more vehicle technology.