Sen. Dale Fowler | Facebook
Sen. Dale Fowler | Facebook
A measure that seeks to better protect Illinois’ first responders on the road was signed into law on Aug. 12.
State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), the bill’s sponsor, said first responders already have the burden to protect and serve.
“The last thing they should have to worry about are distracted, speeding or irresponsible drivers,” Fowler wrote on Facebook following the signing by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “The legislation signed today is about strengthening an already existing law to safeguard our law enforcement and emergency personnel as they work to care for and help those in their communities.”
A press release issued by Fowler’s office said that Senate Bill 1913 adds penalties to 'Scott's Law' that requires motorists to slow their vehicles, change lanes if possible, and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on.
Violators are assessed a fine of between $250 and $1,000 for their first offense, and between $750 and $10,000 for their second offense, the release added. The new bill signed by Pritzker gives judges the authority to order community service for violators in addition to fines.
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office website, Scott’s Law is named after fallen Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen who was struck and killed by a speeding motorist in 2000 at the age of 37 after responding to an early morning accident on the Bishop Ford Freeway.
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