SPRINGFIELD – The life of Donald Stallworth, III was tragically taken too soon when an ambulance – which drove through a stop sign without its siren – struck his motorcycle. To honor his memory and ensure that no other person is injured or killed the way their son was, the parents of Mr. Stallworth stood alongside State Senator Adriane Johnson and her colleagues at a press conference Thursday to fight for change.

“The passing of this bill is very important to our family because our lives have been forever changed. We have experienced an unbelievable loss with the passing of DJ, due to such a tragic accident,” said Satrese Stallworth, Donald’s mother. “He was a beautiful, amazing, talented, and very respectful young man. We will never get to experience his greatness in this lifetime. We don’t want to see another family suffer a great loss and experience the pain we’re enduring. Pain that was inflicted upon us by the people who come to preserve and save life. This is why it’s important to incorporate this law and keep his legacy alive.”

What would be known as the “Donald (DJ) Stallworth, III Act,” Senate Bill 1251 would require ambulances proceeding through a red light or stop sign to slow down and use both the siren and lights – signaling its presence to other drivers. Further, the measure would require ambulance drivers to have documented training of the vehicle on the proper use of warning lights and sirens and situations where those lights and sirens are warranted.

“The very duty of ambulance drivers is to help save lives – however, we can’t put the risk of other people’s lives in danger,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I commend Mr. and Mrs. Stallworth for their bravery and advocacy to tell their late son’s story and uplift his legacy to make adequate change.”

Senate Bill 1251 passed the Senate and is expected to be heard before the House in the coming weeks.