News

2 Illinois State Police squad cars struck recently, one locally

2 Illinois State Police squad cars struck recently, one locally

An Illinois State Police squad car was damaged in a crash on Interstate 55 near Sherman late Thursday, October 8, 2026. Photo: Illinois State Police


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois State Police (ISP) say two of their squad cars were struck by violators of “Scott’s Law” in recent days, marking the 11th and 12th such violations involving their vehicles this year statewide

According to a news release, ISP says the first of the two crashes happened Thursday, October 8, just before midnight on Interstate 55, near Milepost 106.5 near Sherman.  Troopers say a squad car was stationary in the construction zone in that area when a black Mazda traveling northbound through the construction zone struck it.

Tiffany Sipes, 43, Williamsville, was cited for Driving Under the Influence, and for violating Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when possible, especially if emergency lights are flashing, or in a construction zone.

The second crash happened around 5 p.m. Friday, October 9, on Interstate 70 in Edgar County, as a trooper was already working another crash.  Amanda Thomas, 45, Logan, IL, was cited for Improper Lane Usage, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Driving Under the Influence, and multiple other traffic offenses.

In both cases, ISP says, squad car emergency lights were on and flashing.  In the case of the Sangamon County crash, the trooper was injured and taken to the hospital.  The trooper in the Edgar County crash was uninjured.

“​So far in 2026, ISP has suffered 11 Move Over Law-related crashes, resulting in two injured Troopers,” said the ISP news release. “In 2025, ISP reported 15 Move Over Law-related crashes with seven Troopers injured. In 2024, ISP had 27 Move Over Law-related crashes with 12 injuries and one death. ISP reminds the public that the Move Over Law, also known as ‘Scott’s Law’ in Illinois, requires all drivers to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, emergency worker, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated.

“A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no 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 revoked.”

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