Could Responder Task Force Be in Illinois' Future?

 Posted on April 29, 2014 in Personal Injury

Motor vehicle accidents pose a risk to drivers and their passengers on the roadways of Illinois, but a significant danger is also associated with the emergency responders who are responsible for arriving to the scene of a crash. There have been numerous examples of news stories about emergency responders being injured, or even killed in the line of duty as the result of other drivers on the road being distracted or not following certain traffic laws aimed at protecting emergency workers at the scene of an accident. Now Illinois lawmakers are attempting to step in and put measures in place that further protect emergency responders at the scene of an accident.

Responder Task Force As the result of the tragic deaths of numerous firefighters and police officers across the state of Illinois, lawmakers are attempting to pass legislation, known as Senate Joint Resolution 62, that would create a task force focused on decreasing the number of emergency responders who are killed in the line of duty. The problem is an all too common one, with two notable stories of emergency workers being killed in 2013. One of those workers was a high school classmate of state Senator Chapin Rose, one of the individuals sponsoring the bill. Rose argued that such a measure is needed in light of the high number of first responders who are fatally injured as they respond to calls on Illinois roadways, and that their job presents unique dangers that must be considered in attempting to come up with ways to reduce the number of first responder deaths. The legislation would form the Emergency Responder Roadway Safety Task Force. The task force would examine ways to increase safety measures related to emergency responders and make recommendations for doing so. Also, the task force would be made up of individuals from numerous state agencies and offices, including IDOT and Illinois State Police, such as local fire, police, emergency medical services, and legislators. The Need for the Task Force

Representatives argue there is a clear need for such a task force in Illinois. The purpose of emergency responders is to provide assistance to those in need on Illinois roads, so it is important to keep the responders safe during the time they are providing that help on roadways in the state. Further, it is important for elected officials and emergency workers to both contribute to solutions that will work to reduce the risk for injury to responders.

Personal Injury Attorney

Every person is at risk of being injured in a car accident on the roadway. When involved in an accident that resulted in injury due to another person, it is advisable to contact an experienced attorney who can advise you of your rights. Contact the lawyers at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today for a consultation. We represent clients in Naperville and the surrounding areas.