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* Chicago Tribune letter to the editor…
Two years ago, an Illinois state trooper pulled me over for not changing lanes while passing a traffic stop. He asked me if I had heard of Scott’s Law. He explained it was enacted because a firefighter had been hit on the road during a traffic accident.
Having never heard of the law, I questioned why. It seems it is my responsibility to keep up with changes in the driving laws. I question how many Illinoisans take the time to do this. (I had not.) In reading about it, I was surprised to find that the law had been expanded in 2017 to include any vehicle with flashing lights.
The current approach of spreading the word by pulling drivers over individually to inform/ticket them into compliance seems like a giant Whac-A-Mole-type effort to accomplish what should be handled by the department that oversees motor vehicles. If the changes in driving laws were required reading during license renewal, Illinois could reach every driver in the state within four years.
* Brilliant idea, except it’s already in the official Rules of the Road manual three separate times…
Emergency/Maintenance Vehicles
When approaching a stationary (non-moving) emergency/maintenance vehicle using visual signals, Illinois law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency workers when possible and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible, a driver should reduce speed and proceed with caution. […]Right of Way
A driver must yield the right of way to other drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians… When approaching emergency vehicles using audible and visual signals. […]Lane Usage
Drivers must drive on the right half of the roadway except… When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle.
When I was growing up, every adult driver told me about slowing down and moving over when a car or truck was sitting on the side of the road, particularly when it was a police car or a tow truck. It’s just basic courtesy and common sense.
And physics.
I cannot comprehend why people can’t figure out this extremely simple thing.
* Related…
* Highway Officials Warn of Spike in Motorists Hitting, Killing State Troopers: Federal and state highway officials are warning drivers to be more cautious amid a troubling and unexplained rise this year in the number of state troopers struck and killed while going about their duties outside their vehicles. Nationwide, 14 troopers have been killed in this manner so far in 2019, compared with nine for all of 2017, the latest year available, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:34 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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You shouldn’t have to be told you are supposed to move over. And if you have to be told that you probably shouldn’t be driving a vehicle.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:36 am
I have been driving for decades, and I’ve always known this rule. And, frankly, even if it weren’t the law, it is, as you say, simply common sense.
It’s not just drivers, either, though they are the ones who pose the most danger. I’ve seen pedestrians dashing across the street, despite lights and sirens coming their way.
There are way too many idiots out there.
Comment by JoanP Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:42 am
I have always moved over if at all possible. Once in a while you get boxed in by traffic or big trucks but I always slow down and try to get over.
One thing I wonder about is the new high intensity emergency strobes. They can be almost blinding at night to my aging eyes
Comment by Tequila Mockingbird Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:42 am
–It’s just basic courtesy and common sense.
And physics.–
Same with not texting, not watching TV on your gizmo….. Just being a responsible human being.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:43 am
When taking drivers ed in High School way back in the last millenium, we were instructed to slow down and move over for accidents and for disabled vehicles on shoulders.
I do a lot of interstate highway driving, both in Illinois and other states. Another thing I often see if there are flashing lights up ahead on a shoulder, some drivers in the left/passing lane refuse to let you merge into their lane to avoid passing the flashing lights in the right lane.
I don’t get it. Compliance with Scott’s Law takes all of 30 seconds.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:46 am
I’m not sure learning the law would help. If you don’t already understand that blowing a couple of feet past a traffic stop is a bad idea, I don’t know what gets through to you.
Comment by PJ Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:54 am
This is right there with the yahoos who feel they do not have to stop for school buses or do not have to move to the right lane if the left lane ends in 1 mile. They are special.
Comment by zatoichi Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:56 am
you can’t slow down and move over if you are on your phone (or some other, but far less, likely distraction)…
Comment by bored now Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:56 am
===There are way too many idiots out there===
Yep. Have none of these dolts ever had to pull to the side of the road for a flat tire or something?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:56 am
===you can’t slow down and move over if you are on your phone===
One problem at a time, please.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:57 am
==I was surprised to find that the law had been expanded in 2017 to include any vehicle with flashing lights.==
He fails to mention that it’s been on the books since 2002…and common practice since Dwight Eisenhower was in office.
Comment by Jocko Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:58 am
While it is in the Rules of the Road, I don’t think I’ve been asked to refer to it for about eight years now. Last time I just renewed by mail. It’s also fairly buried — having a page that lists changes/new laws would be great.
Comment by Stuff Happens Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:00 am
I was on a middle lane on the Kennedy last week when the Electronic Billboard flashed “Scott’s Law**Slow down and move over.”
I had never heard of Scott’s Law, and last saw a Rules of the Road manual in 1989.
So naturally I slowed down and moved over to the far right lane.
It seems to me that there is a failure to communicate.
Comment by Old Illini Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:00 am
Is a law only as good as enforcement?
In the state of the state Governor said, “we will do more to keep our neighbors safe in the state of Illinois. This begins with making sure the Illinois State Police can be rebuilt, with two new cadet classes to replenish their dwindling ranks.”
Illinois needs to invest in more State Troopers, their visibility is a deterrent, and more troopers able to help stranded motorists. A wrong way driver this weekend, our highways are unsafe for everyone.
Comment by enforcement Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:01 am
As a frequent pedestrian, I can safely say that drivers ignore the pedestrian right of way as well.
How many drivers actually read the Rules of the Road book if they don’t have to study for the driver’s test?
Comment by A Jack Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:02 am
Besides being common sense…
These laws were publicized at the time. Press releases, newspaper articles, local news. It’s not just pulling one driver at a time over to tell them about it. Does this letter writer realize that he’s asking to take a written test every 4 years to prove he’s read the changes in drivers laws?
Comment by thoughts matter Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:02 am
The same ones not moving over probably also floor it on yellow lights, don’t stop at stop signs, and speed through school zones.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:02 am
I was raised to move over for any vehicle or trailer along the road — and assume that the drivers door could swing open or someone could step out into the right lane at any time — even if it looks like an abandoned vehicle. I’ve seen feet slide out from under a truck into the right lane while someone was working under it and apparently forgot where they were.
Comment by XonXoff Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:09 am
DOT could start a more aggressive campaign with additional signs and electronic boards educating drivers as they do for construction.
Have these incidents increased since the speed limit increased? Slowing down may mean lower the speed limit.
Comment by Klaus VonBulow Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:12 am
Real Simple, Ignorance of the law is no defense.
Comment by Someone you should know Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:13 am
You cannot get drivers to turn on headlights when it is raining so how can you expect them to move over? All great ideas. Good luck.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:19 am
I always slow down - maybe to 40 ish?-, maybe 50/50 in actually leaving my lane, usually because of traffic. I don’t remember anyone ever telling me to do so (though they likely did), like Rich said it makes sense. I’ve had to change a tire on the left side of my car once and I was fairly terrified.
Comment by Perrid Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:20 am
“…I questioned why.”
Really??? (Face palm)
This morning on a 30 mile stretch of interstate, 3 vehicles were on the shoulder with either flashers or safety triangles. Most moved over and slowed, but not all. Worse case was close to a major city where everyone on the left who did move over, refused to cut speed to let me move over. So, down to 45 in a 70 zone in the right lane I went, while the 80+ club roared by on my left.
I had a water pump go out on me on the interstate a few years ago. A State Trooper stopped to make sure I was OK (it was very hot that day). Assured him I had plenty of water and the wind was sufficient to keep me cooled off while I waited for the tow truck. Got rocked al lot by people not moving over and speeding by. Thank goodness it was a heavy vehicle.
Once the tow driver arrived, he went to work hooking my vehicle up. When we were all loaded on the trailer, a semi blew by without changing lanes. The tow driver told me that that is an automatic $1000 fine, because the suction can pull a person off the shoulder and under the truck. Not long after, here came the Trooper who pulled the semi over and issued a ticket.
Some days there is justice.
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:20 am
One of those 14 was a Colorado State trooper, a friend of mine who grew up in Tinley Park. We just had his service this past weekend. RIP Corporal Dan Groves.
Comment by CookR Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:20 am
The general proposition, though, is true. The Legislature is a lot more eager to pass laws changing rules than they are to funding adequate public information campaigns about the changes. Case in point - the change to the rule about pedestrians in cross walks. When the law was changed, there was virtually NO public education. I was worried for a while that the education campaign was going to be conducted one struck pedestrian at a time. Eventually, signs were put in select crosswalks, then more, etc.
But the rule ought to be - don’t make a rule change unless you’re willing to fund the campaign to make it well known. The press release when you pass your bill and take credit is not enough.
Comment by Rasselas Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:21 am
“Slow down” is a relative term. Perhaps the law could be improved to say, slow down to 55mph in a 70mph zone and 40mph in a 55mph zone. Some drivers interpret “slow down” as driving 89mph when they were driving 90mph. And having set slow down speeds makes the law more enforceable like construction zone speed limits.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:36 am
I was a trooper for many years and now safely retired. I always feared being struck by a vehicle more than being shot. At least with my training and equipment (ballistic vest) I had a chance against bullets. Not much chance against an 80,000 lb vehicle travelling at 60+mph. Over my career, much spent investigating shootings in the metro east, I saw a lot of people survive being shot, not many pedestrians struck on the interstate survived.
I mourn the loss of my two fellow state troopers along with all my fellow officers. Many of us know families that have been devastated by similar tragedies. That is probably the hardest thing to face. The ISP will surround the family and support them and keep the memory of our coworkers alive, but the loss for the family will never be filled. Thirty years later I still think of the wife and mother who didn’t make it home and all that her family lost on the side of the highway one night. Now, two more families will have these horrible experiences to live.
Move Over, Slow Down!
Comment by Retired Statie Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:44 am
“I was on a middle lane on the Kennedy last week when the Electronic Billboard flashed “Scott’s Law**Slow down and move over.”
on 90 west, the message board also had “enough is enough”
Comment by State Employee 2 Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 10:54 am
I know everyone says it’s common sense to move over when a vehicle is on the shoulder — and I do (unless for some reason I can’t get over — but I don’t think it’s common sense for everyone as most drivers, of course, don’t intend to hit a person or vehicle on the shoulder and simply intend to drive on with no issues. I’m not making excuses, but there has to be an educational component — not just reliance on common sense.
Comment by Just Observing Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:03 am
People need to realize they are not the only people on the road.
Comment by Citizen Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:09 am
Tollway signage has been flashing “Enough is Enough”…”Slow down and move over” for the past few days.
Governor just ordered flags at half-staff for Trooper Brooke Jones-Story. Such a terrible and totally avoidable loss, I sure hope folks finally get the message.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:11 am
It is mainly because there are drivers who have little respect for others. Never in my lifetime have I witnessed vehicles traveling 70-80 mph and a vehicle behind them only 1-2 car lengths.
Many do not understand(or care) about moving over for a vehicle coming off a ramp.
People generally don’t care
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:13 am
Maybe a bill can be passed for IDOT to install SLOW DOWN MOVE OVER signs next to the 70mph/45mph signs on the interstates.
Comment by Kayak Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:13 am
It would help to require bluetooth phones in all semi trucks with the ability to phone approaching trucks with an override warning message.
All vehicles with bluetooth phones could also be warned that way.
Comment by Old Illini Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:22 am
Rasselas
You shouldn’t have to be told to move over. You’re telling me you needed a law to figure that out?
I think anyone who isn’t moving over should have the book thrown at them. Give them a several thousand dollar fine. They’ll get a bit of common sense after that I’m sure.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:25 am
Maybe it’s time to increase the fines… 20 MPH over on interstates is 90 miles per hour.
Stopping distance for a car under those situations is nearly 400 feet. At 70 MPH, the stopping distance is 234 feet. A $120 fine for 20 over is light IMO. Stop enough of these speeders, and maybe we can fill a budget hole and stop filling graves and hospital and rehab rooms.
http://forensicdynamics.com/stopping-braking-distance-calculator
https://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/speedlimitenf.cfm
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812480
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:35 am
Haven’t most of these accidents been from intoxicated drivers?
Comment by Anon E Moose Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:39 am
Is there a legislative fix? Or do we need to fix each other and make texting, distracted driving, not moving over as faux-pas as driving DUI? Changing behavior comes with more state troopers and more enforcement. Check out this article posted by their heritage foundation
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1686080841525606&id=157042817762757&__tn__=%2As%2As-R
Comment by Deeper issue Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:43 am
Emergency/Maintenance Vehicles
When approaching a stationary (non-moving) emergency/maintenance vehicle using visual signals, Illinois law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency workers when possible and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible, a driver should reduce speed and proceed with caution. […]
I thought we all knew this. However there is a problem in slowing down when one can not move over if there is a large amount of traffic behind you. Not really a problem in rural Illinis but we all know what big city traffic can be like. If I have to explain that reality that anyone who does not understand is part of the problem.
The real issue is being alert, being competent and keeping your vehicle on the road and not between the ‘white lines and the ditch.’
Comment by Nonbeleiver Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 11:49 am
Perhaps a four year refresher driver’s test might not be a bad idea. But it must be
1. Online
2. At no additional cost
3. Open book to give drivers a chance to review changes in the laws
4. Either untimed or a several hour time limit to give drivers a chance to look through the rules.
5. Updated annually to reflect changes in the rules or rules that traffic statistics say aren’t being followed.
6. It should be tied to a driver’s license number so that the test can be verified to have been taken before renewal.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:21 pm
I’m just not sure people really care anymore. I see far more red lights being run today compared to 5-10 years ago.
Comment by supplied_demand Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:30 pm
I drive all over the US and sometimes in Canada. The general attitude of people in their vehicles have changed. People have little to no respect for other drivers, many seem to care less about speed limits, lane usage or even the difference between a Yield and Stop sign, much less to be bothered by changing lanes for a vehicle on the shoulder. Some people feel their commute is also time for personal hygiene and catching up on a book or newspaper.
I see less Law Enforcement on the highways as I used to see. Maybe there are more unmarked cars, but it may be lack of identifiable police vehicles that make people feel they can do as they please.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:42 pm
==Maybe there are more unmarked cars, but it may be lack of identifiable police vehicles that make people feel they can do as they please. ==
Completely agree on your comments (no turn-signals to change lanes, speed limits, red-lights).
I have a theory that on-demand everything in our lives (TV, radio, news, communication, etc.) has made us less willing to wait for anything that may slow down our own “needs”. Also, in the city it’s possible that the red-light cameras had the impact of showing people all the red-lights that DON’T have cameras and now people speed through those.
Comment by supplied_demand Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:53 pm
I’ve seen some speculation as to the strobes on emergency vehicles being distracting especially at night to the point of acting like bug zappers - attracting drivers inside a certain radius where the hypnotic effect of the lights leaves drives with inadequate reaction time at higher speeds. Two Posen firetrucks were struck on 1-57 this week and they apparently have an article on their facebook page.
Also, here is a point from Second City Cop blog that is interesting to think about:
“Two fire trucks, fifteen state police vehicles and who knows how many other first responders.. There’s something here and it isn’t all intoxicated drivers (though that seems to be the majority). Perhaps the old “Pull to the Right for Sirens and Lights” needs some sort of update?”
We’ve seen fire trucks stopped on both the left and right (and some police). If that’s where the equipment needs to be, then that’s where it’ll be. But when people assume the strobes are on one lane, when they’re actually on the other lane, bad things can happen at 60 or 70 MPH, especially on curves.”
Comment by Responsa Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 12:59 pm
Nonbeliever,
How does traffic behind you prevent you from tapping the brakes and slowing down? That doesn’t make any sense. I’ve driven in some high traffic areas, Chicago, LA, San Diego, and I’ve never had a problem slowing down with traffic behind me.
Comment by Steve Polite Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:10 pm
A public information campaign is definitely a good idea - especially if the state make’s it a felony to violate Scott’s Law. It’s obviously a good law, common courtesy and proper driving but you should only change lanes if the maneuver is safe for other drivers. I’ve been cut off by truck drivers who must believe that changing lanes is mandatory.
Comment by Remy Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 3:50 pm
I’ve seen several comments above that, after 30 years in law enforcement myself, that hit the nail on the head:
I haven’t had to take a written driving test in decades. If I hadn’t been working for a law enforcement agency, I would have never known about changes to the laws. The test needs to be more frequent and needs to be in person so drivers can’t cheat.
Some people are just jerks, and I think it’s due to the difference in how they are raised. My dad taught me how to drive. By the time I got to drivers ed, it was all automatic to me. How many kids can say that today?
Electronic devices-this I believe is the biggest problem, even bigger than drivers under the influence. As their use has grown, so have these tragic accidents. I personally know officers who in the past have felt it not worthy of ticketing a driver. I’m sure that opinion is fast changing but I know that offense has not been enforced as much as it should have.
Comment by Former Merit Comp Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 3:52 pm
I hope they figure this out sooner than most are figuring out the whole passing lane concept on the interstate. Ugh. So sad and unnecessary. I am so thankful for my driver’s education teacher, Mr. Throenburg. I’m not a perfect driver, but he was excellent.
Comment by Amy Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 4:15 pm
Is it just me, or do people care-less about following the rules of the road now days, etc.?
Comment by Mama Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 5:28 pm
I don’t think the first offence should be a felony when Scott’s Law is to violated, but they should lose their license for at least one year.
Comment by Mama Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 5:35 pm
Can the troopers and other emergency vehicles post a message on the Interstate’s Electronic Billboards stating the left-hand or righthand lane is closed ahead at ‘X’ mile post?
If this is doable from the emergency vehicle’s computer system, maybe more Electronic Billboards warning people when to more over would help save lives.
Comment by Mama Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 5:42 pm
Sorry… I forget to include State Troopers and Road Construction Vehicles as well as emergency vehicles…
Comment by Mama Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 5:44 pm
- Steve Polite - Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 1:10 pm:
Nonbeliever,
How does traffic behind you prevent you from tapping the brakes and slowing down? That doesn’t make any sense. I’ve driven in some high traffic areas, Chicago, LA, San Diego, and I’ve never had a problem slowing down with traffic behind mI have lived in LA also as wellas having driven in Chicago .
My observation is completely different. Slowing down to any real degree in heavy traffic can lead to real problems as drivers back up. Sometimes on can get hit from the back- it will almost never occur with the first driver to slow down but later down the line. Also creates even more conjestion which leads to problems.
Again, our experiences must be very different.
Comment by Nonbeleiver Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 8:29 pm
Your concern for congestion and a possible accident somewhere behind you is admirable. It still doesn’t prevent you from slowing down for vehicles on the side of the road and within a few moments you speed back up.
Comment by Steve Polite Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 8:45 pm
- Steve Polite - Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 8:45 pm:
Your concern for congestion and a possible accident somewhere behind you is admirable. It still doesn’t prevent you from slowing down for vehicles on the side of the road and within a few moments you speed back up.
You have expressed your position as have I.
Comment by Nonbeleiver Monday, Apr 1, 19 @ 9:20 pm