Daily Herald opinion: Tragedy averted, but near miss involving Huntley firefighter on I-90 a vital reminder of Scott’s Law

Among the many things to be thankful for in the season of Thanksgiving is the safety of a Huntley firefighter who could have lost his life while on duty over the weekend.

The firefighter — thus far unnamed — was assisting on a crash site on the eastbound Jane Addams Tollway Friday night. Crews were on I-90 just east of Route 47 following a collision between a semitrailer truck and a van when another semi hit the fire engine.

Thankfully, the firefighter, who was getting equipment from the fire engine, spotted the semi in time and had the presence of mind to jump quickly away.

He suffered minor injuries, but the night easily could have ended in tragedy.

The recent close call is a reminder of why Illinois’ Scott’s Law is so important.

Also known as the Move Over law, the measure was named for Scott Gillen, a 37-year-old Chicago firefighter killed in 2000 while responding to a highway accident. The law requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along a roadway.

The driver who hit the fire engine on I-90 Friday was cited under Scott’s Law, and the investigation is continuing.

The minimum fine is $250, but, depending on the circumstances, the amount could be much higher and drivers could actually face prison time.

“First responders are aware of the dangers of working on today's roadways,” Huntley Battalion Chief Eric Bentley said over the weekend. “We are fortunate that our firefighter was aware of the situation and was able to avoid further injuries.”

Not everyone is so lucky.

As Marni Pyke reported over the weekend, crashes involving Illinois State Police squad cars rose this year, according to an Illinois State Police database. There have been 23 to date, with 11 involving injuries, compared to 21 crashes in 2023.

Friday’s near miss should serve as a reminder to all of us of the rules for Scott’s Law, and the reasons behind them.

First responders risk their lives every day, but we can at least help protect them when they’re responding to crashes and other roadside assistance calls. And we must be especially cautious as we head into winter weather season. when snow can hamper visibility, darkness sets in early and roads may be slippery, making quick stops more difficult and dangerous.

Scott’s Law is simple: When approaching emergency vehicles with their lights flashing — and that can include police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and snowplows — drivers are required to change lanes if possible, slow down and continue cautiously.

Starting on Jan. 1, Scott’s Law will be broadened to include road construction areas and maintenance zones.

The goal is to save lives. Making that happen is a responsibility we shoulder each time we get behind the wheel.