Rep. Ron Wait Files “Bachman’s Law” Legislation to Require Police to use lights while exceeding speed limits.
Springfield, IL – In the wake of a Winnebago Sheriff’s Deputy, who was involved in a fatal crash as he speed to the scene of a domestic disturbance, many questions have been raised about police policy regarding speed of pursuit and usage of safety equipment. After consulting with the Illinois State Police, Representative Wait has filed legislation today that will require law enforcement officers to use emergency lights in instances that they are driving in excess of the posted speed limit on an official call.
“I think that turning on your lights while in pursuit or responding to a situation is one of the most simple safety requirements you could ask for in light of recent events.” Wait said “It is my hope that we pass this legislation and give the public and the officers a little additional protection.”
House Bill 6683 makes the following four points regarding the use of lights and sirens and exceeding the maximum speed limits:
- Oscillating lights, rotating/flashing lights, siren, or any combination thereof will be active during high-speed responses;
- Officers should use lights and sirens to warn pedestrians and others of their approach during an emergency response situation;
- Officers must always drive with due regard for the safety of others and must exercise due care when operation department vehicles;
- A covert approach may be used when the situation dictates.
The tragedy happened in 2006 when a speeding law enforcement vehicle caused a double-fatal accident at the intersection of West State Street and Weldon Road. Brothers Aaron Bachman, 21, and Daniel Bachman, 15, were killed when a Deputies police car struck their vehicle driven by Kori Bachman, then 19 who because of the accident has permanent brain damage.
Current State Law does not require a law enforcement vehicle to run emergency lights or sirens when driving in excess of the maximum posted limit. In fact police vehicles, may proceed through stop signs, exceed speed limits and/or disregard directional regulation without operating sirens or emergency lights. However, all other emergency vehicles are expected to operate lights or siren when making such maneuvers. This new law will allow police the flexibility that they need to do their job safely and provide a little added insurance to both the officer and innocent bi-standers.
“This is a common sense way to address this situation, if this law was on the books it is possible that three young lives would not have been affected.’ Said Wait “If they are speeding they will have to run the lights, it just makes sense, it protects the citizens and the officers.”
After talking with the family before filing the legislation the new section, “Bachman’s Law”, will be named after the family that has gone through so much grief over this tragedy. Reprehensive Wait is currently working with the State Police and plans on introducing legislation regarding the speed of a police vehicle responding to an official call.
Representative Wait is the ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee and has works very closely on many different safety issues dealing with police vehicles in the past. Representative Wait also serves on the Aging; Appropriations-Public Safety; Elections & Campaign Reform; Judiciary I - Civil Law; Judiciary II - Criminal Law; Managing Sex Offender Issues Committees.