FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 5, 2010
Time: 10:36 AM
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Trooper Mike Link
618.346.3524
www.isp.state.il.us
mike.link@isp.state.il.us
TDD:1.800.255.3323
Collinsville, IL � State wide, Illinois roadways have seen 718 fatal crashes resulting in 776 deaths so far this year. The Metro-East (Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties) has contributed 48 of the fatal crashes resulting in 52 deaths. Of the 48 fatal crashes that occurred in the Metro-East, only three of them were caused by actions outside of the drivers� control*. Drivers� actions, or lack of them, are the primary cause of motor vehicle deaths in the Metro-East.
Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, following to close, speeding, and improper lane use account for the majority of the causes of fatal crashes in the Metro-East. Alcohol also plays a factor as it was involved in 12 of the fatal crashes.
Fatal crashes can occur on any type of road. In the Metro-East, the majority (17) of fatal crashes were listed as occurring on city streets. Followed by state highways (15), county roads and interstate (each with 7), and then U.S. highways (2).
As we approach the holiday seasons, Lieutenant Parsons, Interim District 11 Commander, would like to encourage motoring public to travel safely. Lieutenant Parsons stated; �It doesn�t matter if you�re going across town, across the county, or across the state, a fatal traffic crash can occur anywhere.� He further stated; �Make sure you watch your speed, keep a good following distance, pay attention to the road in front of you, and make sure everyone is buckled up. We want everyone traveling on Illinois roadways to arrive alive.�
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* Six fatal crashes did not have a contributory cause (CC) listed, two CCs were listed as N/A, and in three crashes the CC was listed as �unable to determine.�
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The Illinois State Police, District 11, is currently investigating two fatal crashes that occurred last night and early this morning.
The first fatal crash occurred on November 16, 2010 at approximately 11:10 p.m. It was a single vehicle crash that occurred on IL-156 near Oexner Lane in Monroe County. There were two people in the car (neither were wearing their seat belt - at this time, we are unsure who was driving). One was killed, one was transported by Arch Med-Vac to St. Louis University Hospital (condition unknown).
The second fatal crash occurred on November 17, 2010 at approximately 4:53 a.m. on I-64 westbound at mile post 36 (near the Washington/Clinton County line). A eastbound Chevrolet car went through the median and was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes. The Chevrolet car crashed head first into a westbound truck-tractor semi-trailer. The drivers of both vehicles were killed. The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to an area hospital and later died. The driver of the truck-tractor semi-trailer was pronounced dead at the scene. There was a passenger in the truck-tractor semi-trailer who was transported to St. Johns Mercy (condition unknown).
Investigations are ongoing and more information will be released upon notification of next-of-kin.
The majority of traffic crashes are caused by driver action or inaction. Drivers and passengers should be reminded to ALWAYS wear their seatbelts. Drivers need to watch their speed, don't drink and drive, and pay attention to the road/limit distractions.
The Metro-East has experienced 58 fatal crashes this year, eight have been reported since October 30, 2010. Please see previous press release (released November 5, 2010 - attached to this message) for data on fatal crashes.
(See attached file: DriveSafe110510.pdf)(See attached file: DriveSafe110510.txt)
Trooper Mike Link (5222)
Illinois State Police District 11
Media Liaison/Safety Education Officer
618.346.3524 - Office
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