A passing vehicle fatally strikes a State Trooper after failing to move over or slow down on Christmas Eve
All 50 states have their version of a “Move Over or Slow Down Law.” The law, which may have a different name depending on the state, requires drivers to move into a different lane when possible or slow down if not possible to give disabled vehicles, emergency vehicles, city vehicles, or construction vehicles ample space.
The idea behind the law is to minimize fatal accidents like the one that happened in Chicago this Christmas Eve. Illinois State Tropper Clay Carns was driving down Interstate 55 heading north. Carns saw debris along the highway’s shoulder, turned his cruiser around, illuminated the cherry lights, and pulled over.
While Carns was cleaning the debris, 69-year-old John Fleet struck the Trooper with his Chevy Silverado. Failing to move over or slow down – violating “Scott’s Law” in Illinois – led to the Trooper’s death. Paramedics rushed Carns to a local hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead, reports CBS.
Carns was just 35 years old and is survived by his wife and two young children. He’d been a State Trooper for 11 years before the accident.
The police emphasized the importance of creating space for stopped vehicles
Brendan Kelly, the director of the Illinois State Police Department, reminded citizens of Scott’s Law. He also encouraged families to consider first responders while they enjoy a warm, safe Christmas.
“Any time we lose a trooper hurts, but today is Christmas Eve here on December 24, so it kind of hurts in a particular way,” he said during a press conference. “Please remember when you are in your home, peacefully and safely enjoying your family tonight and tomorrow morning, Christmas Day, that’s not a coincidence. That’s not just some Christmas miracle. It’s possible because a police officer made it possible.”
Fleet was charged with a violation of Scott’s Law, which has a minimum fine of $250 and a maximum of $10,000 for the first offense. Depending on how the trial goes, he could face a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years in prison.
