Illinois State Trooper Involved in I-57 Crash
Fatal Error: Unlicensed Driver Crashes into Trooper on I-57
An Illinois State Trooper was seriously injured on Monday after being struck by an unlicensed driver on Interstate 57 on Chicago’s South Side. The incident occurred at approximately 10:22 a.m. when the trooper’s marked squad car was parked on the right shoulder of northbound I-57 near 108th Street with its emergency lights activated, responding to a prior two-vehicle crash.
The Fateful Moment
The trooper was standing on a grassy embankment nearby when a northbound black Hyundai failed to move over, veered onto the shoulder, and struck the trooper and two parked vehicles. The injured trooper was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Charges Filed Against the Driver
The driver of the Hyundai, Dario A. Lopez-Arevalo, 22, of Robbins, was charged with an aggravated Scott’s Law violation. He also received citations for driving without a valid license, operating an uninsured vehicle, and multiple other vehicle code violations.
A Growing Concern
This incident marks the second Move Over Law-related crash involving an ISP trooper in the Chicago area within a week. On October 29, another trooper’s squad car was struck near Joliet by a driver later charged with driving under the influence. Statewide in 2024, there have been 21 crashes involving Scott’s Law violations, resulting in injuries to 10 state troopers, according to officials.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of Move Over Law and the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect for emergency responders. It is crucial that drivers understand the devastating consequences of their actions and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.
FAQs
* What is Scott’s Law?
Scott’s Law is a law that requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, that are stopped on the side of the road.
* What were the charges filed against the driver?
The driver, Dario A. Lopez-Arevalo, was charged with an aggravated Scott’s Law violation, driving without a valid license, operating an uninsured vehicle, and multiple other vehicle code violations.
* How many crashes involving Scott’s Law violations have occurred in 2024?
There have been 21 crashes involving Scott’s Law violations, resulting in injuries to 10 state troopers, according to officials.