Instructor: Scott's Law is part of driver education - FOX Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — On Saturday, a 16-year-old was cited with a Scott's Law violation after hitting 20-year-old Ross Booker with a vehicle; Booker passed away at the hospital later that day.
"It is tragic, you feel for the kid, because you know they didn't mean to for it, it is not like they were trying to do it on purpose," said Tony Martin. owner of M and M Driving School.
Martin said that Scott's Law is mandated by the state, and it is addressed both in the classroom setting of driving school and on the road.
"If we come across the situation, I say, 'remember in the handbook, you are required to yield to emergency vehicles and you switch lanes.' and if they can't switch lanes you slow down and hug the center lane," said Martin.
The Illinois Rules of the Road Handbook does not mention Scott's Law by name, but it does mention the overall policy that makes up Scott's Law:
When approaching a stationary (non-moving) emergency/maintenance vehicle using visual signals, Illinois law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency workers when possible and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution. Illinois law prohibits photography and the use of wireless/cellphones within 500 feet of an emergency scene, except in certain circumstances.
"If the curriculum that the school is teaching is following what we are supposed to do, which is the Rules of the Road handbook, and additionally the rest of the 30 hours, it is in there," said Martin, when asked if it is being taught in high school driver's-ed as well.
When it comes to practicing and following the law, Martin said it is just one part of a large amount of knowledge that is absorbed by the young driver.
That is why he is pushing for everyone to fully complete their 50 hours of driving mandated to get an Illinois license.
He said a lot of the time, students come to driver's-ed with no experience at all on the interstates and highways.
"We have got them in the car for six hours, six hours," said Martin. "It is not going to make them the next Nascar champion." he said. "Parents have to take a very active role and provide good role model driving correctly themselves."
The penalty for a Scott's Law violation include a two year license suspension, fines and possible jail time.
State's Attorney Julia Rietz said she is still awaiting to ticket issued to the driver, before appearing in court.
source: https://foxillinois.com/news/local/instructor-scotts-law-a-part-of-drivers-ed
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