According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), traffic deaths increased 17 percent in Illinois from January through July this year, compared to the same period in 2011. Specifically, Illinois has seen an increased in fatal accidents on interstate highways, state roads, and city streets.
Also, roughly half the traffic deaths in Cook County this year occurred in Chicago. State officials suggest that the increase in traffic deaths may have resulted from an increase in driving due to the unseasonably mild weather earlier this year.
This past week, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider announced a “zero-fatality goal” on Illinois roads. Although this goal may be unrealistic, as a Chicago car accident attorney, I applaud our State's ambition to address this serious public safety issue. To reach this goal, Illinois officials are increasing police enforcement of driving laws, considering redesigning intersections that are hot spots for crashes, and reevaluating emergency medical response procedures. Finally, we, as Illinois drivers, can also help the effort by making a concerted effort to drive more safely.