Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director

For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2011
4:00 PM

For More Information Contact:
Trooper Mike Link
618.346.3524 - work
618.973.3050 - cell
mike.link@isp.state.il.us

COLLINSVILLE, IL – State wide, Illinois roadways have seen 273 fatal crashes resulting in 297 deaths so far this year. The Metro-East (Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties) has contributed 25 of the fatal crashes resulting in 27 deaths. Although fatal crashes across the state are down 11 percent form this time last year, fatal crashes in the metro east are up 28 percent.

Fatal crashes can occur on any type of road. In the Metro-East, the majority (10) of fatal crashes were listed as occurring on city streets; followed by state highways (9), county roads (3), interstates (2), and then U.S. highways (1).

The number of fatal crashes has doubled in St. Clair county. During the first six months of 2010 St. Clair county had seven fatal crashes resulting in 7 deaths. As of May 31, 2011 St. Clair County has experienced 14 fatal crashes resulting in 15 deaths. Madison County has had six fatalities and Clinton and Monroe counties have had three fatalities each.

Many crashes occur due to driver action or inaction. Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, following to close, speeding, driving under the influence, and improper lane use account for the majority of fatal crashes.

Although we can control our actions, we cannot always control the actions of those we share the road with. For this reason we must be defensive drivers as well. Pay attention to the road in front of you and be prepared to react to other vehicles. Your best defense against injuries in a traffic crash is wearing your seatbelt.

As we approach the summer months, Captain Brad Parsons, 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."

###