SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - An Illinois State Police squad car was struck by another driver Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 55, marking the agency’s ninth Move Over Law-related crash of 2026.
The backstory: The crash happened around 12:40 p.m. along northbound I-55 near East Lake Shore Drive (milepost 88) in Springfield.
According to ISP, a trooper had pulled over onto the shoulder to conduct a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi-truck. The squad car’s emergency lights were on, and the trooper was outside the vehicle inspecting the truck.
Then, a passing U-Haul truck pulling a trailer did not move over and sideswiped the squad car. No injuries were reported.
Police cited the driver of the U-Haul, identified as 79-year-old Lynn Pulfrey of Rockford, for improper lane usage and violating Illinois’ Move Over Law, also known as Scott’s Law.
Why you should care: Illinois’ Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles or any vehicle with flashing lights. Violations can carry fines ranging from $250 to $10,000.
If a violation results in injury, a driver’s license can be suspended for six months to two years.
By the numbers: 2026 has seen nine Move Over Law-related ISP crashes, with two troopers injured. Last year, there were 15 crashes with seven troopers injured.
In 2024, there were 27 crashes with 12 injuries and one death.