Trooper Struck on I-94 Highlights Urgent Need for Motorist Compliance with Move Over Laws

In a harrowing incident on the early morning of Friday, an Illinois State Trooper was hospitalized after being struck by an oncoming vehicle while responding to a separate crash on I-94 near 75th Street. The trooper, who was assisting a driver involved in a previous accident, was hit when a Mercedes collided with the crashed vehicle, pushing it into the trooper. This latest incident underscores the critical importance of motorists adhering to Move Over laws, which require drivers to slow down and safely change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles on the roadside.

Protecting Those Who Protect Us: The Vital Role of Move Over Laws

Trooper Struck While Assisting Motorist

The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. on Friday, when the Illinois State Trooper was responding to a crash on I-94. The trooper had parked their squad car with emergency lights activated and was assisting a driver on the passenger side of their vehicle. Tragically, a Mercedes struck the driver's side of the crashed vehicle, causing it to collide with the trooper.

Trooper Sustains Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

The trooper was immediately transported to the hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. This is a testament to the training and protective equipment that law enforcement officers receive, which can often mean the difference between life and death when responding to dangerous situations on the roadway.

Driver of Mercedes Cited for Multiple Violations

The driver of the Mercedes, 33-year-old Damaya Herriott of Chicago, was uninjured in the incident. However, she was cited for a number of violations, including failure to yield to a stationary emergency vehicle (the Move Over Law), following too closely, improper lane usage, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Penalties for Move Over Law Violations

Herriott now faces a fine ranging from 0 to ,000 for the first offense of the Move Over Law, as well as the possibility of a license suspension between six months and two years. These stiff penalties underscore the seriousness with which law enforcement and lawmakers view violations of this critical safety law.

Alarming Trend of Move Over Law-Related Crashes

This incident marks the sixteenth Move Over Law-related crash of the year that has resulted in injuries for eight Illinois State Troopers. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need for greater public awareness and compliance with Move Over laws, which are designed to protect both emergency responders and motorists alike.

The Importance of Move Over Laws

Move Over laws, which are in effect in all 50 states, require drivers to slow down and safely change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other roadside assistance vehicles with flashing lights. These laws are crucial for the safety of both first responders and the general public, as they help to create a buffer zone around these vehicles and reduce the risk of collisions.

Educating the Public and Enforcing the Law

To address the ongoing issue of Move Over law violations, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes increased public education campaigns to raise awareness of the law and its importance, as well as stricter enforcement by law enforcement agencies. By working together to promote compliance with Move Over laws, we can help to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred on I-94 and ensure the safety of all who use our roadways.