Today, Geneva Police, Batavia Police, and St. Charles Police are announcing that they are joining forces to ensure traffic safety during the week of Memorial Day.

With the weather seemingly improving and more people getting out to enjoy it, police in the Tri-Cities are looking to ensure the safety of all motorists through enhanced enforcement. Beginning on Monday, May 20, through Monday, May 27, police will focus their enforcement efforts on heavily traveled roadways (Randall Road, Route 31, Route 25, and Kirk Road).

During the joint initiative, police will focus their efforts on reducing traffic crashes, educating motorists and enforcing traffic laws related to speed, distracted driving, seat belts, Scott’s Law, and driving under the influence. The Tri-City police agencies want to remind motorists to respect the move over law (Scott’s Law) and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles on the side of the road. The move over law, commonly known as “Scott’s Law”, has been in effect since 2002. It is named in memory and honor of Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed in December 2000. Motorists must change lanes, if they can do so safely, or reduce their speed significantly and proceed with caution upon approaching any emergency vehicles.

Each agency will implement an enforcement plan based on the individual needs of their communities. Geneva Police, Batavia Police, and St. Charles Police remind all motorists to drive safely by following the rules of the road, avoiding distracted driving and cellphone usage, adhering to Scott’s Law, and allowing more time to reach their destination during high traffic times.

The goal of this initiative is to reduce traffic crashes and ensure everyone travels safely, so we all can enjoy the week leading up to the unofficial start of summer.