Scott’s Law, codified as 625 ILCS 5/11-907(c), mandates that motorists change lanes or reduce speed when approaching stopped vehicles with activated hazard lights. The legislation serves as a permanent memorial to Scott Gillen, a Chicago Fire Department lieutenant killed by a drunk driver while assisting at a crash site. Beyond emergency vehicles, the law now covers utility workers, requiring drivers to discontinue wireless phone use and yield when approaching highway construction zones.

Craig Watson, a field service representative based in Peoria, emphasizes that these split-second decisions behind the wheel carry significant weight. According to Watson, while utility work may occasionally disrupt traffic flow, the priority remains returning roadways to normal without compromising the lives of personnel or commuters. By slowing down and shifting lanes, drivers provide a buffer that prevents avoidable tragedies, fostering a shared responsibility for public safety on Illinois roads.