Illinois State Trooper Hospitalized After Being Struck by Vehicle While on Duty
An Illinois State Trooper was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle while investigating a previous traffic crash on I-94 in Chicago. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the state’s Move Over Law.
According to authorities, the trooper was inside their vehicle at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, parked in the left lane of southbound I-94 near 111th Street. They were handling a previous traffic crash when an Audi struck their squad car from behind.
The trooper was immediately taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Audi, 47-year-old Samuel Oatis III of Dolton, and his passenger were also transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Oatis was issued three citations in connection to the crash, including following too closely and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. This serves as a reminder to all drivers to be cautious and attentive while on the road, especially when approaching emergency vehicles or vehicles with their emergency or hazard lights activated.
This incident is just one of many that have occurred in Illinois in 2021 related to the Move Over Law, also known as “Scott’s Law.” In fact, it marks the 24th crash this year, with eight troopers sustaining injuries in these crashes. This is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed.
The Move Over Law was implemented to protect the safety of emergency personnel and drivers on the road. It requires all drivers to move over to the next lane when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. If it is not safe to change lanes, drivers are required to slow down and proceed with caution.
This law was named after Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was tragically killed in 2000 while assisting at a crash scene on the side of the road. Since then, it has been expanded to include all emergency vehicles and has been strictly enforced by law enforcement.
The purpose of this law is to prevent accidents and protect the lives of those who are working to keep our roads safe. It is essential for all drivers to follow this law and be aware of their surroundings while driving. Failure to do so not only puts the lives of emergency personnel at risk but also endangers the lives of other drivers on the road.
As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, it is more important than ever to prioritize the safety of our community. This incident serves as a reminder that we must all do our part to keep our roads safe. Let us honor the sacrifices made by emergency personnel by following the Move Over Law and being responsible drivers.
In conclusion, the Illinois State Trooper who was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle while on duty is expected to make a full recovery. However, this incident serves as a wake-up call for all drivers to be mindful and responsible while on the road. Let us all work together to make our roads safer for everyone. Remember, always move over or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle. It could save a life.
