My take on the 'Move-Over' Law

(blog entry created in April, 2011).....Let me shoot off for today's blog while munching on Boston Creme donuts this morning at Dunkin Donuts. I must admit that the IL state troopers got a good weapon here that they use on all drivers in this state. They do it at their own discretion and they can get whoever they want at a certain-so time they choose. And despite their initiative to stop drivers for the 'move-over' law (a/k/a Scott's Law), many are still getting away with it. A few months ago, I was pulled over for that. And I was the only one out of all drivers that sped up to 55 mph because I was driving a company vehicle for my job. I didn't mind the fact that I did break this type of law (as it applies in this state), but I am so profoundly disappointed that a lot of drivers I've witnessed don't get pulled over for the same exact thing I committed. I find it unfair, unjust and so wrong. I think that state troopers use this 'move-over' law as an effective tool to take away $$$ from anybody as a financial means to help the budget to maintain and build roadways in this state. The move-over law should apply to everybody that breaks it, myself included. I'm all for it. The law itself helps protect fellow emergency/maintenance personnel from harm during emergency procedures on the shoulder portion in all highways. For those that want to know how Scott's Law got started, it was because a drunk driver moron who hit a fireman hero during an emergency operation on the highway. Because of that, the law came into place and was passed through state legislation a couple years ago. The impending result of my situation was that I had to pay a court costs and fines, as well as attorney fees. But the good part from all of this was that my driving record is still good and that I have my license back (note: It was taken away when I was pulled as a way to bond myself). It was better than what the state trooper dude was requesting: to have my license suspended for 3 months and pay a fine. I've learned a lot from all of this and I want to pass this message to those that live in this state: DO NOT be the next one to be pulled-over by the trooper. Obey Scott's Law for what it is. Move your car one lane to the left or right depending where the emergency vehicle is with their rotating lights. It may not be easy sometimes as road conditions may vary, but do what you can to slow down and execute the move properly/cautiously. Sure you'll see rulebreaking drivers that won't act on it, but that doesn't mean you have to do the same. They'll get their day in court one day and be penalized for what they've done. In conclusion, I find it that state troopers unfairly use this law to get anybody they so choose from the pack of drivers on the road, the law itself cannot get all the drivers who break it, AND that no matter how this law is interpreted (through our perspective and the troopers), we have to obey it so we can help save lives for those heroes that are willing to protect us on our roadways.