Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Nicole La Ha addressed driver safety in a Facebook post on November 8, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Illinois law. "Not only is this the law in Illinois, it also helps keep emergency personnel, road workers, and travelers safe on our roadways," she said.

"SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER when you approach any vehicle on the side of the road with hazard or emergency lights activated," said La Ha, according to Facebook. "Not only is this the law in Illinois, it also helps keep emergency personnel, road workers, and travelers safe on our roadways."

According to her Facebook post, La Ha shared a link to a CBS News report from November 6, which detailed an incident involving a driver charged after hitting an Illinois State Police Trooper on Interstate 57. The crash occurred on the morning of November 4 at approximately 10:20 a.m., on northbound I-57 near 108th Street. The trooper involved was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn following the accident.

Screenshot of State Representative Nicole La Ha's Nov 8 Facebook post | State Representative Nicole La Ha Zwiercan's Facebook page

The driver, identified as 22-year-old Dario A. Lopez-Arevalo, was arrested and charged with aggravated violation of Scott’s Law. CBS News reported that he received citations for driving without a valid license, driving uninsured, and other violations of the Illinois vehicle code.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) issued a news release on November 6, noting that this incident marked the second Move Over crash involving a Chicagoland ISP Trooper within a week. The first occurred on October 29 near Joliet, where the driver faced charges for Driving Under the Influence. In total for this year, there have been 21 crashes related to the Move Over Law resulting in injuries to ten ISP Troopers.

Scott’s Law, also known as the "Move Over" Law, is named after Chicago firefighter Scott Gillen who was killed by a drunk driver while assisting at a crash scene on the Chicago Expressway. According to documentation from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, the law mandates drivers slow down and move over when approaching stationary vehicles with flashing lights. Violators may face fines up to $10,000.

La Ha assumed her role representing the 82nd State House District following John Egofske's resignation. Previously serving as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods), she has been active in public advocacy and charitable committees. Her achievements include receiving the International Humanitarian Award in 2018 for community service and being elected to the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees in 2021.