SHOREWOOD – On National Move over Awareness Day, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is urging drivers to remember to exercise safe driving habits to responsibly share the road with first responders.

Oct. 17, 2020 marks the holiday that emphasizes the need for drivers to decrease their vehicle’s speed and move into another lane in order protect first responders such as ambulance drivers, police officers and roadside assistance professionals.

“Every day, our officers and first responders put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “We need to continue to educate motorists to guarantee it is second nature for drivers to slow down and move over when any vehicle is stalled on the side of the road.”

In 2019, Bertino-Tarrant championed a measure that tightens up Scott’s Law in Illinois. The law clarifies drivers need to slow down, change lanes and proceed with caution when emergency vehicles are stopped on the side of the highway. In the same year, there were more than 25 Scott’s Law related car crashes.

“Distracted drivers are an increasing threat to our first responders and officers,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Remember to stay alert and aware as you are driving – you are putting our first responders and officers lives at unnecessary risk.”

Bertino-Tarrant urges drivers to read more about Scott’s Law at police.illinoisstate.edu/safety/scott/.