Munoz prevents roadway fatalities by strengthening Scott’s Law

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent more tragic losses of emergency responders and highway workers, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) passed legislation through the Senate on Thursday that strengthens Scott’s Law and finds a way to end senseless roadway fatalities.

“We need drivers to yield to first responders on the side of the road,” Munoz said. “It’s absolutely unacceptable that we are losing officers who are trying to keep us safe due to reckless driving.”

This year, Troopers Christopher Lambert, Brooke Jones-Story and Gerald Ellis were killed in the line of duty when hit by vehicles while their patrol vehicles were stalled on the side of the road. The law was initially passed in memory of Lieutenant Scott Gillen.

Senate Bill 1862, as amended, takes the following steps to strengthen Scott’s Law:

• Increases the minimum fine for a Scott’s Law violation without damage or injury from $100 to $500
• Makes a Scott’s Law violation that results in damage to a vehicle a Class A Misdemeanor
  o A violation that results in injury or death would be a Class 4 Felony
• Adds a Scott’s Law violation to the list of aggravating factors that may be used in sentencing for reckless homicide
• Increases the penalty for a reckless homicide conviction based on a violation of Scott’s Law that results in the death of a firefighter or emergency medical services personnel to a Class 2 felony from a Class 3 felony
• Applies Scott’s Law to the requirements for approaching any disabled vehicle

The legislation now heads to the governor for final approval.