Last month a nurse was struck by a passing vehicle as she was helping a motorist who had driven into a ditch. This Illinois car accident happened along U.S. 51 in Jackson County, between Carbondale and DeSoto and killed the nurse.
Authorities are still investigating the scene, according to the Chicago Tribune.Our Chicago car accident attorneys remind you of Scott’s Law, or the Move Over Law as the summer travel season gets underway. Scott’s Law is meant to protect stationary vehicles, especially emergency responders and other law enforcement with activated lights.
According to the Illinois State Police, Scott’s Law requires drivers to approach these types of vehicles with extreme cautions, yield the right-of-way, move to the lane farthest from them and reduce your speed.
These requirements should be enforced to help those stranded motorists on the side of the road as well, whether they’re stopped because their vehicle is broken down, they’ve been involved in a fender bender or they have a flat tire.
Violating Scott’s Law can land you with a fine of up to $10,000 or license suspension.
This law is created to protect those that may be immobile on the side of the road. It is all too common that a motor vehicle accident leads to a secondary accident or injury. Those who stop to help troubled motorists oftentimes put themselves at an even greater risk for injury.
Motorists are urged to follow these roadside safety tips if you have to stop your car along the side of the road:
-Pull over and off the road as far as you can.
-Be sure to turn on your hazard lights to help ensure other motorists will see you pulled over.
-Call police to let them know you are pulled over on the side of the road and let them know the reason.
-Be sure to keep 2 reflectors in the trunk of your car. Place one in the front and one in the back on your vehicle. Be sure they’re placed at least 50 feet away from your car.
-If it is the daytime, make sure that you and your occupants exit the vehicle. If you’re pulled over in the evening hours it’s safer for you to remain in your vehicle.
-Call a mechanic if your car has broken down. In these scenarios, it is better to call for the help of a professional than to attempt to fix it yourself.
-If you’ve stopped to help a stranded motorist, be sure to stay away from the vehicle, all safety precautions are being exercised and you’ve called for help.
Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.