Illinois joins national trend of increased road fatalities
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[May 27, 2022] By
Scot Bertram | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – Traffic deaths on
Illinois roads jumped nearly 14% last year, mirroring a surge seen
nationwide.
New numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show
1,357 people killed on roadways across the state last year, up from
1,194 in 2020.
“Traffic volume increased, the dangerous driving behaviors continued,
and the number of fatalities just skyrocketed,” said Tara Gill, senior
director of Advocacy and State Legislation for Advocates for Highway and
Auto Safety.
Nationally, 42,915 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, a 10.5%
increase, with jumps in just about every geographic region.
“Fifteen percent [increase] on rural interstates, 15% on urban arterial
and about 20% on urban local, nationally,” Gill said. “From our
perspective, it's really devastating given that we have the proven
solutions to prevent the crashes, deaths and injuries.”
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Gill said dangerous driving behaviors that increased
during the first months of the pandemic appear to be continuing
across the country. That includes speeding, driving while impaired,
and lack of seat belt use.
“For drivers and road users, of course we're looking
at state-related traffic safety laws to ensure everybody buckles up
on every trip, to curb speeds, to reduce distracted driving,” Gill
said. “Things like that that address the leading killers on the
roads.”
The organization also argues for enhanced minimum performance
standards for vehicle safety technology, including automatic
emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection.
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Meanwhile, fatal crashes involving pedestrians increased by 13% from
2020. Gill said funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
national “Safe Roads for All” program can help.
“This supports things like separated bike lanes and accessible
sidewalks and leading intervals at intersections and protected
intersections,” Gill said. “Things like that separate vehicles and
vulnerable road users to prevent interactions.” |