An Illinois State Police trooper was injured after a motorist struck their marked squad car from behind on southbound I-94 early Saturday morning, department officials said.
State police say that a 47-year-old man from Dolton has been identified as the driver of the Audi that crashed into the rear of the squad car. He has since been cited for failing to obey the “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change lanes and reduce their speed while approaching stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing warning lights.
The trooper’s squad car was hit at approximately 2:20 a.m. while they were assisting with a previous traffic crash on the interstate, near 111th street in Pullman. The vehicle’s emergency lights were activated as it sat parked in one of the lanes.
The trooper was inside the car when the accident occurred. They were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, as were the driver of the Audi and his passenger.
For violating the “Move Over” law, the driver of the Audi will face a fine of between $250 and $10,000. As the crash resulted in the injury of a trooper, the driver may also face a mandatory suspension of his driver’s license for anywhere from six months to two years.
The incident marks the 17th time so far in 2024 that motorists failing to abide by the “Move Over” law have crashed into Illinois State Police vehicles, police said. Eight troopers have been injured in such crashes this year.
The rule is also known as “Scott’s Law” in honor of Chicago Fire Department officer Scott Gillen, who was fatally struck by a drunk driver in 2000 while assisting at the scene of a traffic crash.