Driver Fails To Move Over, Strikes IL State Police Car On Interstate

CHICAGO — For the fifth time this year, an Illinois State Police squad car was struck in Illinois. This time, the crash occurred Monday night on Interstate 94 near 130th Street in Chicago.

The trooper was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, the trooper was in their squad car at around 10:03 p.m. and handling a previous traffic crash. The trooper was parked in lane 3, the far-right lane, with emergency lights activated. The trooper was seated inside their squad car, and the squad car was struck in the rear by a Chevrolet Impala that failed to move over.

The driver of the Impala, Larry Smith, 33, of Chicago, reported no injuries on scene. Smith was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, following too closely, and a "Move Over Law" violation.

In 2024, there were 27 Move Over Law-related crashes, with 12 troopers injured and one death. In 2023, ISP had 21 Move Over Law-related crashes, with seven troopers injured. ISP reminds the public the Move Over Law, also known as "Scott’s Law" in Illinois, requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated.

Violation of the Move Over Law will result in a fine of no less than $250 and no 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.

Additional information about ISP related crashes can be found at the following link: https://isp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/340d57cd956c453da2de25af804c268d.