'Stay Alive on I-55' Memorial Day enforcement initiative          

[May 24, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced a new enforcement initiative aimed to help increase safety and reduce fatalities during the Memorial Day weekend. The "Stay Alive on I-55" enforcement initiative, which begins at noon Friday and continues until midnight, will result in Interstate 55 being saturated with troopers every 10 miles along the interstate's corridor.

"The goal of this enforcement initiative is to reduce the number of crashes on I-55 by focusing on the 'fatal five' violations -- speed, seat belt use, DUI, improper lane usage and following too closely -- and Scott's Law," said Illinois State Police Director Larry G. Trent. "By driving defensively, motorists can do their part to help make this Memorial Day a safe holiday for everyone traveling on I-55."

Illinois Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Director Michael Stout stated, "We are excited about all the traffic safety campaigns occurring this holiday weekend and will continue to support these lifesaving endeavors."

Due to the increase of troopers on patrol throughout the holiday weekend, the department directors remind motorists of Scott's Law, which requires motorists to yield to moving emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles, displaying oscillating, rotating or flashing lights. Additionally, Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes (if safe to do so) or reduce speed and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary vehicle displaying flashing warning lights.

Motorists who are in violation of Scott's Law commit a business offense punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000. If an individual is found in violation of the law while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can incur additional consequences due to the aggravating circumstances of their offense. A driver who violates Scott's Law while under the influence is subject to a 90-day suspension of driving privileges if the violation results in property damage, a suspension of 180 days to two years if the violation results in injury to another person, and a suspension of two years if the violation results in the death of another person.

During last year's Memorial Day weekend, there were 47 crashes on I-55, resulting in one fatality and eight people being injured. Statewide there were 23 fatalities. Troopers issued 10,717 citations, including 4,535 for speeding, 3,288 for seat belt violations and 133 for DUI statewide.

"Stay Alive on I-55" is in conjunction with the Memorial Day Combined Accident Reduction Effort and the Department of Transportation's Click It or Ticket program.

[Text from news release received from the Illinois State Police]