CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Illinois State Police released a statement reminding drivers of the importance of the Move Over Law, otherwise known as Scott’s Law, after a semi hit a Trooper’s squad car with a Trooper inside.

According to the ISP release, at around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, Illinois State Police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving an ISP Trooper’s car and a semi on Interstate 74 near exit 197. 

  • Courtesy of Illinois State Police
  • Courtesy of Illinois State Police

A Trooper was in the squad car and stationary in a construction zone behind multiple barricades at the time of the incident. All traffic was being directed off of Interstate 74 due to the construction in the area when a semi that was hauling three truck tractor units did not follow the alternate traffic route through the construction zone, drove through the barricades, hit the Exit 197 sign, and finally struck the rear and driver’s side of the ISP squad car.

The Trooper inside the squad car at the time of the collision was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The semi-driver was identified as Thomas Mbongo, 46, of Urbana, Illinois. Mbongo was issued citations for the following:

  • Scott’s Law – Failure to yield to a stationary emergency vehicle 
  • Failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Illinois State Police has had eight Move Over Law-related crashes this year. In 2022, there was 23 Move Over Law-related incidents where eight Troopers sustained injuries. ISP wants to remind people of the importance and requirements of the Move Over Law, or  “Scott’s Law.” 

The release states, “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. 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.”

For further information, visit the ISP Squad Car Crash Dashboard.