Traffic safety advocacy group, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, released their 2021 report called the “Road Map.” The report analyzes traffic safety and traffic safety laws in all 50 states.
There were less people on the road in 2020 but according to the report, that did not lead to safer streets and highways. “Moreover, preliminary 2020 estimates show that while overall miles traveled are down, the fatality rate has jumped dramatically,” said Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
The group gave Illinois a grade of yellow, which means safety improvements are needed. Below is a list of recommendations the group provided to the state:
- All-Rider Motorcycle Helmet Law
- Booster Seat Law
- GDL – Minimum Age 16 for Learner’s Permit
- GDL – Stronger Nighttime Restriction Provision
- GDL- Stronger Passenger Restriction Provision
- GDL- Age 18 for Unrestricted License
Below is a list of laws the group believes Illinois is doing correctly:
- Primary Enforcement Seat Belt Law (Front & Rear)
- GDL – 6-Month Holding Period Provision
- GDL – 50 Hours of Supervised Driving Provision
- GDL – Cell Phone Restriction
- IID for All Offenders
- Child Endangerment Law
- Open Container Law
- All-Driver Text Messaging Restriction
- Rear Facing Through Age 2 Law
One suggestion they did not provide was for stricter texting and driving laws and penalties. As I discussed on this site last week, the Illinois legislature has done their part of strengthening traffic penalties for caught texting and driving during an accident. I will be watching the state legislature closely over the next year to see if they implement any of the suggestions made by Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago injury lawyer, Aaron J. Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.