McHenry Times

State Representative Steven Reick expressed his sorrow over the loss of another Illinois State Trooper due to a vehicle crash linked to the violation of Scott’s Law. "We are devastated by the news that we have lost another Illinois State Trooper to a vehicle crash caused by the violation of Scott’s Law," he said in a Facebook post dated January 2.

"We are devastated by the news that we have lost another Illinois State Trooper to a vehicle crash caused by the violation of Scott's Law," said Reick, according to Facebook. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Trooper Clay Carns during this difficult time. Illinois motor vehicle laws require drivers to move over when approaching emergency vehicles with emergency or hazard lights activated."

According to Reick's Facebook post, he shared an article from IPM News regarding the December 23 death of Illinois State Police (ISP) Trooper Clay Carns. The article detailed that Carns was on Interstate 55, north of Blodgett Road near Channahon, when he was struck by a pickup truck while removing debris from the roadway. His emergency lights were activated at the time. Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he succumbed to his injuries. The trooper, aged 35, had served with ISP for 11 years.

Screenshot of State Rep. Steve Reick's Jan. 2 Facebook post | State Representative Steve Reick Facebook page

The driver involved in the incident has been identified as John Fleet from Wilmington. He was arrested and charged with violating Scott’s Law, as reported by IPM News.

NBC 5 highlighted that this collision occurred exactly 14 years after a similar incident claimed the life of Chicago Fire Lieutenant Scott Gillen. This led to the establishment of Scott’s Law, which mandates drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle displaying emergency or hazard lights.

Reick is noted as a longtime resident of Illinois. He graduated from Herscher High School and attended the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor's degree in accountancy. He further obtained a Juris Doctor and master's degree in accountancy and taxation from the University of Georgia. Elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2016, Reick now represents the 63rd House District.