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 laws designed to protect emergency personnel and road workers. "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 about a driver charged after hitting an Illinois State Police Trooper on Interstate 57. The incident occurred on November 4 at approximately 10:20 a.m. near 108th Street. The trooper was struck by a passing vehicle and subsequently taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

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

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

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

Scott’s Law, named after Chicago firefighter Scott Gillen who was killed by a drunk driver while assisting at a crash site on the Chicago Expressway, mandates that drivers slow down and change lanes when approaching stationary vehicles with flashing lights. Violators face fines up to $10,000.

La Ha was appointed to represent the 82nd State House District following John Egofske's resignation. Her background includes serving as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie and involvement in various charitable committees. She has been recognized with the International Humanitarian Award for community service and serves on the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees since her election in 2021.