Dwight, IL – An Illinois State Police (ISP) Trooper avoided injury early Tuesday after their squad car was struck while assisting at the scene of a previous crash on Interstate 55 in Livingston County.
According to Illinois State Police, the collision happened at approximately 2:45 a.m. near milepost 217 on I-55 southbound. Authorities said the Trooper was parked in the right lane with emergency lights activated behind a disabled vehicle when a Chevrolet Express van failed to move over and struck the rear driver’s side of the squad car. The Trooper was inside the vehicle but reported no injuries. The squad car was heavily damaged and towed from the scene.
The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 59-year-old Samuel Gomez of Omaha, Nebraska, was cited for Driving Too Fast for Conditions, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and violating Scott’s Law, also known as the Move Over Law.
Police said the incident marks the 10th Move Over Law-related crash involving ISP vehicles so far in 2025. In comparison, there were 27 such crashes in 2024, leaving 12 Troopers injured and resulting in one death. In 2023, ISP documented 21 crashes with seven Troopers injured.
Scott’s Law requires drivers to reduce speed and move over when approaching emergency vehicles or any vehicle with flashing hazard lights. Violators face fines between $250 and $10,000, with possible license suspensions ranging from six months to two years if the violation causes injury.
State Police continue to urge motorists to exercise caution and obey Move Over Law requirements to reduce preventable crashes involving emergency personnel.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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