Hazardous road conditions cause spike in roadside crashes

WILL COUNTY – To help keep first responders safe while they assist motorists on the side of the road, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Plainfield) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are reminding residents to reduce speed, switch lanes if possible and drive cautiously when emergency lights are visible.

"Scott's Law means move over for emergency vehicles, which is especially important with the winter weather conditions we're currently experiencing," Loughran Cappel said. "I am grateful the trooper involved in the accident in Will County has been released with non-life-threatening injuries, and I urge drivers to move over and drive slowly when passing emergency vehicles to prevent further tragedy."

According to the Illinois State Police, District 5 covering Will County is investigating the second Scott’s Law-related crash in just a week. The first occurred on Feb. 15 while a trooper was assisting drivers on Interstate 55 northbound near US Route 30, and the trooper was airlifted to a local area hospital with serious injuries. The second crash happened on Feb. 16 while a trooper was responding to an accident on Interstate 80 over Interstate 55. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been released from hospital care.

“By following Scott’s Law, motorists can help first responders return home safely at the end of their shifts,” Connor said. “My thoughts are with the state trooper injured in Monday's crash. I pray for a swift recovery and the family members as they endure this difficult time.”

Scott’s Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including all highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated.

The law also states that if changing lanes is unsafe or not possible, drivers are required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave an appropriate distance until they have safely passed the stationary vehicle.

To check road conditions, motorists can visit http://gettingaroundillinois.com/.