By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Hundreds of new laws began January 1, including several that drivers need to know about.

One is Scott’s Law, which was named after Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2000 while assisting with a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Livingston County Sheriff Tony Childress explains what is now expected of drivers.

“Scott’s Law mandates that upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when the authorized emergency vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, blue, red and blue or amber or yellow warning lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle, shall reduce the speed of the vehicle, yield the right-of-way to the changing lanes away from an authorized emergency vehicle and proceed with due regard to safety and traffic conditions,” Childress said.

Childress sat down with us for two complete Community Forums, explaining several of these new laws. The podcast of those forums can be found at wjez.com.