A bill sponsored by State Rep. Sid Mathias that will ease traffic snarls that result from fender benders on Illinois roadways has been signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.

Public Act 97-0763 will allow motorists involved in minor accidents the ability to move vehicles off the highway to the nearest safe location while the incident is reported. “This common sense legislation will allow minor accidents to be reported while reducing the frequency and number of back-ups that accompany car accidents,” Mathias said. “The law also provides for greater safety for those involved in accidents because they are able to move away from the highway and fast-moving traffic.”

The bill, which had previously received unanimous support in the Illinois House and Senate, was signed by the Governor on July 6.