Illinois State Police squad car struck while responding to another crash on I-57

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – An Illinois State Police trooper’s squad car was hit by a vehicle while assisting a separate crash on July 4 in Franklin County.

It happened around 12:36 a.m. on Interstate 57 southbound near milepost 69 in Browning Township.

An ISP Troop 10 Trooper was stationary on Interstate 57 southbound near milepost 69 with emergency lights activated. The trooper was conducting traffic control for a previous crash in the center median.

That’s when a Lincoln MKZ, traveling southbound, failed to move over and sideswiped the passenger side of the ISP squad car, according to ISP.

The trooper was inside of the squad car, but was not injured.

The driver of the Lincoln, 41-year-old Terrence R. Vance of West Centralia, Ill., was also uninjured.

Vance was issued citations for Scott’s Law – improper passing of an emergency vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, and transportation/possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle – driver.

Illinois State Police has had 11 Move Over Law-related crashes so far in 2023. In 2022, ISP had 23 Move Over Law-related crashes where eight troopers were injured.

ISP reminds the public of the requirements of the Move Over Law, otherwise known as “Scott’s 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.

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, according to ISP. 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.