Sheriff's Office Video Shows 'Scott's Law' Violations On Route 41

LAKE COUNTY, IL — If you aren't aware of Scott's Law or what violating this law looks like, the Lake County Sheriff's Office shared a video on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, captured during an incident on the side of Route 41. In what appears to be an effort to warn and educate motorists across Lake County and Illinois, the sheriff's office posted the question, "Can you count the number of Scott's Law violation?" along with video captured while a deputy was shielding a group of kids whose vehicle broke down on the side of the busy roadway.

"Scott's Law requires all motorists yield a full-lane or, when unable to yield a full-lane, reduce their speed upon approaching a vehicle with flashing lights (emergency vehicle, DOT vehicle, etc.)," The sheriff's office wrote in the video post.

Several people commented "1 is too many" in response to the question, while others gave a specific number. Some even pointed out other violations they claimed to have seen in the video, including texting and driving.

After many replies from community members, the sheriff's office commented, "The whole point is to keep those on the side of the roadway safe. There’s no magic speed reduction number, but if you can’t move over, you should slowdown so those on the side of the roadway are safe! Moving over is the best option is safe to do so."

Back in March, the Kendall County Sheriff's Office wrote a refresher on Scott's Law on Facebook following the tragic death of ISP Trooper Brooke Jones-Story, who was killed during a traffic stop on March 28.

"'Scott's Law' states when an emergency vehicle has its lights or siren activated, all drivers must attempt to slow down and change to a lane away from the emergency vehicle," the Kendall County Sheriff's Office wrote.

More: 'She Was Doing Her Job': ISP Trooper Hit, Killed On Route 20

The sheriff's office added that drivers can be cited for failing to change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, and the citation can lead to a fine of $100 up to $10,000.

A violation of Scott's Law that results in an accident during which there's only property damage, the Secretary of State will suspend the offenders driver's license for 90 days. However, if the accident results in injury, the suspension will be for 180 days. If an accident results in death, then the Secretary of State will suspend the offender's license for 2 years.