A Sergeant with the Illinois State Police District 7, the district Knox County resides in, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital after his fully marked squad car was struck by an alleged drunk driver.
According to a release from the State Police, the squad car had its emergency lights on as it was stationary and on the eastbound shoulder of John Deere Road in Moline when a green Jeep, traveling east, crossed the white fog line and struck the rear driver’s side of the squad car, causing the jeep to overturn and roll several times.
55-year-old Matthew Scherer of Moline was the alleged driver of the Jeep. He has been charged with a slew of driving offenses, including DUI, and for not following Scott’s Law.
Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the “Move Over” law, requires drivers approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their hazard lights activated, to slow down and change lanes if it is safe to do so.
Violaters of Scott’s Law 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 is suspended for a mandatory period of six months to two years.
“ISP Troopers throughout the state risk their lives daily to keep our roadways safe,” stated District 7 Commander Captain Jason Dickey. “These crashes are completely preventable, and I am asking the public to avoid putting the lives of others at risk by making responsible choices when behind the wheel; Always drive sober and move over when you approach a stationary vehicle on the side of the road,” stated District 7 Commander, Captain Jason Dickey.
So far this year, there have been 13 state police squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s Law and nine troopers have sustained injuries.
