Crime & Safety
Illinois I-55, I-70 Crashes: 2 State Police Squads Struck
Springfield, IL – Two Illinois State Police squad cars were struck in separate crashes along Interstates 55 and 70 last week, bringing the agency's total of Move Over Law related crashes to 12 in 2026
By Jordan Mercer · 2026-10-11T18:22:40.886Z
Springfield, IL – Two Illinois State Police squad cars were struck in separate crashes along Interstates 55 and 70 last week, bringing the agency's total of Move Over Law related crashes to 12 in 2026 and renewing warnings about the dangers troopers face while working along busy highways.
According to Illinois State Police, the crashes occurred Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9, while troopers were stationed along interstate roadways with their emergency lights activated.
First Crash Reported on Interstate 55
The first incident occurred around 11:49 p.m. Thursday on northbound I 55 near milepost 106.5.
A trooper was stationary in a construction zone when a northbound black Mazda struck the squad car.
The trooper was inside the vehicle during the collision and was transported to a hospital as a precaution.
Police identified the driver as 43 year old Tiffany Sipes of Williamsville.
Sipes was issued citations for violating Scott's Law and driving under the influence.
Second Squad Car Struck on Interstate 70
The following afternoon, around 5:02 p.m. Friday, another trooper was working an active crash scene on westbound I 70 near milepost 85.5.
Investigators said a black Land Rover sideswiped the patrol vehicle before striking another vehicle in backed up traffic.
The trooper was outside the squad car, and no injuries were reported.
The driver, 45 year old Amanda S. Thomas of Logan, Illinois, received multiple citations, including Scott's Law, improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
State Police Issue Safety Reminder
Illinois State Police reported 11 Move Over Law related crashes involving troopers so far in 2026, resulting in two trooper injuries.
The agency recorded 15 such crashes in 2025 and 27 in 2024.
Under Illinois' Scott's Law, motorists must slow down and move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with activated emergency or hazard lights.
First time violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $10,000, with additional penalties when injuries occur.
Police urge drivers to remain alert and give emergency personnel sufficient room to work safely.