Could be safest year on highways in more than 80
years
[JULY 22, 2005] SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich
announced July 14 that a record number of drivers are wearing their
seat belts and that the state is on pace to set a new safety record
on Illinois roads. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports
that 86 percent of drivers observed were wearing their seat belts,
up 10 percent from just two years ago. At the same time, 2005 is on
pace to record the lowest number of people killed on Illinois
highways since 1924. Forty-one fewer people have lost their lives on
Illinois highways during the first six months this year than in the
same time period last year.
"These new numbers tell us what we already know -- the single most
important way to protect yourself in the car is by buckling up,"
Blagojevich said. "In 2003, we changed the law in Illinois, giving
police the authority to stop motorists for not wearing their seat
belt. As a result, we're seeing more people than ever wearing their
seat belts, and we're seeing lives being saved."
Before the
primary enforcement law, police could not pull a driver over based
solely on a seat belt violation. At that time, seat belt usage was
just 76 percent. Since the governor signed the law in July of 2003,
safety belt usage climbed to 83 percent in June of 2004 and 86
percent in June of 2005.
"We are pleased with the efforts that have resulted in increased
safety belt use in Illinois," said Don McNamara, regional
administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. "To continue this lifesaving trend, it is critical
that Illinois' law enforcement and traffic safety communities
continue to support strong educational and enforcement activity like
the ‘Click it or Ticket' campaign."
In 2004, the first full year of primary enforcement, there were
nearly 100 fewer deaths, or 1,356, compared with 1,454 in 2003.
Through the first six months of this year there have been 597
deaths, 41 fewer than through the first six months of 2004.
"We had the lowest number of traffic fatalities on our roads
since 1944," Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Timothy
W. Martin said. "I think through continued education and stepped up
enforcement with our law enforcement partners, we will be able to
reduce that number to 1,300 or below, which would be the lowest
since 1924."
"We have a strong working relationship with IDOT, and we share
similar goals in keeping the roadways safe for everyone," said
Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent. "Ultimately it's your
decision. But, because we care about our citizens, troopers will
continue to take a zero-tolerance approach in seat belt enforcement.
It's been proven time and time again -- buckling up saves lives."
In addition to primary seat belt enforcement, another law signed
by Blagojevich is contributing to safer roads. The law increased the
age of children to be restrained in booster seats from 4 years old
to 8 years old. Since the governor signed the law in 2003, the state
has hosted a series of car seat inspection events with 21st Century
Insurance. Illinois State Police officers and members of the
Illinois Department of Transportation have inspected over 953 child
safety seat installations. In addition, 21st Century Insurance has
provided over 1,000 child safety seats to Illinois families.
