Palos Park Police and Fire Team Up Oct. 21 To Enforce 'Scott's Law'

PALOS PARK, IL -- If you’re driving through Palos Park and see an emergency vehicle stopped at the side of road -- pull over. The Palos Park Police Department and Palos Fire Protection District will be teaming up Saturday, Oct. 21, to enforce “Scott’s Law,” named after CFD Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

The “Move Over” Law, Scott’s law, went into effect Jan. 1, 2017. The law mandates that when approaching any police or other emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the roadway, motorists must:

• proceed with due caution
• change lanes if possible
• reduce their speed

Authorized emergency vehicles include police and fire vehicles, and tow trucks.

“We’re going to pull over motorists who are not changing lanes or slowing down for a tow truck or a police and fire vehicle on the side of the road,” said Chief Joe Miller of the Palos Park Police Department. “Our officers are using Oct. 21 as a learning experience for drivers. We are looking to inform motorists of the law instead of handing out tickets.”

A person found in violation of Scott’s Law may be subject to fines of up to $10,000. Persons found to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances may subject to other aggravating factors, including:

• Suspended from driving for 90 days to one year if the violation results in damage to the property of another person;
• 180 days to 2 years if the violation results in injury to another person;
• 2 years if the violation results in the death of another person.

Palos Fire Protection District Chief Jim Graben also reminds drivers not to take evasive action at the scene of an accident or other incident on the roadway.

“Please slow down and take direction from emergency staff on the scene,” Graben said. “Pull to the right for sirens and lights, and always change lanes when approaching a police car, fire apparatus or tow truck stopped or working on the roadway.”