Early Wednesday morning, before most commuters even hit the road, a person was struck and killed while changing a tire on westbound I-80/94 near Torrence Avenue in Lansing. The crash happened shortly before dawn and shut down lanes on the Kingery Expressway, sending traffic snarling all the way back toward the Indiana state line as troopers and emergency crews worked the scene.
Illinois State Police and other responders remained on site for hours while investigators tried to piece together exactly what happened. Authorities initially released only limited details about the fatal striking.
What officials say
According to ABC7 Chicago, Illinois State Police said the collision occurred at about 5:29 a.m. in the westbound lanes near Torrence Avenue. Early reports indicate the person was out of their vehicle changing a tire when they were hit, and the outlet reported the crash triggered major backups into Indiana.
Roadside safety and the law
The incident is a stark reminder of how dangerous it can be to stop on a busy interstate, even for a quick repair, and why Illinois' Move Over requirements, known as Scott's Law, exist in the first place. The law requires drivers to slow down and, when it is safe to do so, move over for stopped vehicles and emergency workers.
The Illinois State Police detail the Move Over rules on their information page, including potential penalties for motorists who fail to comply.
How to stay safe on the shoulder
Safety experts urge drivers to get completely off the roadway whenever possible, flip on hazard lights and call for roadside assistance rather than attempting repairs next to live traffic. If a flat tire or breakdown leaves you in a risky spot, the advice is simple but not always easy to follow: prioritize your own safety over the car.
AAA recommends waiting in a safe location away from moving vehicles if a repair cannot be done safely on the shoulder and keeping an emergency kit in the car so you are prepared if something goes wrong.
Investigation ongoing
Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate the fatal striking and have not released additional information, according to ABC7 Chicago. Drivers moving through the south suburbs were warned to expect delays and urged to check official travel resources for the latest updates.
