Dean Abbott – Radio Communications Manager
In response to increases in the past several years of fatalities caused by Scott’s law violations, State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) is sponsoring legislation dealing with the written portion of driver’s tests in the state of Illinois.
Scott’s Law mandates that upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when the authorized emergency vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, blue, or red and blue lights or amber or yellow warning lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall reduce their speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution. It is named after Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
House Bill 4711 provides that an incorrect response to a question on the written portion of the driver’s license examination concerning driver responsibilities when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle (Scott’s Law), the person taking the test will be given a reminder of exactly what the law is and its importance.
The bill was given approval in the Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee on Wednesday and now moves on to the full House for consideration.
