PESOTUM – Illinois State Police (ISP) officers from eastern and southern Illinois joined forces to combat aggressive and unsafe driving behaviors along Interstate 57 from October 3-7, 2024. The operation focused its efforts on Interstate 57, starting at milepost zero in Alexander County all the way up to milepost 257 on the northern Champaign County border.
Patrol officers from ISP Troops 7, 9, and 10, with assistance from ISP central and south Special Operations Group’s Fatal Four team saturated the interstate, enforcing Illinois Vehicle Code violations, especially speeding. Speeding is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all fatality crashes. Officers also focused on Motor Carrier Safety Inspections for commercial motor vehicles, a function unique to ISP officers. Over a quarter of all fatal crashes involving large trucks occur on the interstate. By focusing on this known data and taking proactive steps to correct unsafe driving behavior, ISP strives to decrease fatal and personal injury crashes on the interstate.
It should be noted that during this high-visibility traffic enforcement detail there were no fatal crashes, and only five accident reports filed for all 257 miles of Interstate 57.
Operation Results
Speeding Citations Issued: 599
Speeding Warnings Issued: 484
Motor Carrier Safety Inspections: 198
Move Over “Scott’s Law” Citations Issued: 16
Criminal Arrests: 6
Suspended/Revoked/No Driver’s License Citations: 46
As ISP’s increased enforcement to save lives and combat personal injury and fatal crashes on the interstate systems has evolved, the need for additional troopers to carry out this important work has increased.
ISP reminds the public that the Move Over Law, also known as “Scott’s Law,” requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense.