An Illinois State trooper was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries when his squad car was struck while parked on the side of I-70 near St. Elmo assisting a stopped motorist.
State Police say emergency lights were activated when the squad car was struck by an eastbound semi that veered off the roadway onto the right shoulder.
The driver and passenger of the semi were also transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 58-year-old Pedro Espinoza of Sunland, CA, was charged with a violation of Scott’s Law, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident and Improper Lane Usage. A person who violates Scott’s Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.
The crash occurred at 6:03 Sunday morning.
State Police say so far this year, there have been 19 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s Law and 12 Troopers have sustained injuries from Scott’s Law-related crashes. The ISP would like to remind the public of the requirements of Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the “Move Over” law. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down AND move over.
“I’m very proud of District 12 Troopers and all ISP Troopers working throughout the state risking their lives to keep our roadways safe,” stated District 12 Commander Lieutenant Kerry Sutton. “These crashes are completely preventable, and I am asking the public to avoid putting the lives of others at risk by making responsible choices when behind the wheel; always move over when you approach a stationary vehicle on the side of the road”.
