In Chicago and the rest of Illinois, the "Move Over" law, formerly known as "Scott's Law," requires all drivers to move over at least one lane from where an emergency crew with flashing lights is working. The law applies when a police officer, fire truck, or maintenance crew is working on the shoulder of a road and the vehicle's lights are flashing. Under the law, all other drivers must move from the closest lane of travel to another available lane. This is to provide a safe distance between the workers and the passing traffic.
This law was enacted to reduce the number of pedestrians struck and killed in shoulder of the road accidents. The intent is also to increase safety for all drivers. Failing to follow the Move Over law may leave a driver with a fine or a suspended license. However, if a violation of the law results in an accident, the punishment can be much more severe.
These accidents are most common on expressways. This is because a driver is limited in the ability to exit these areas. They are less common on city streets where a driver can pull over into safer conditions. They can pull into a parking lot, parking garage, street parking area, or a parking lot. This removes the vehicle from traffic and reduces the threat of a collision.
However, in a dense population area like Chicago, shoulder of the road accidents still occur. Often, though, they involve a vehicle striking a bicyclist or a pedestrian who is riding or walking near the edge of the road.