Illinois State Police Enforcement Effort Leads To Nearly 6,000 Traffic Citations Memorial Day Weekend

CBS Chicago reported recently that the Illinois State Police’s (“ISP”) effort to crack down on traffic violations over the busy Memorial Day Weekend led to 5,924 traffic citations and 5,206 written.

Illinois State Troopers efforts included 109 drunk driving arrests and 815 seat belt citations.  ISP also provided assistance to approximately 1,300 stranded motorists. “I am very proud of the hard work displayed by the men and women of the Illinois State Police,” said ISP Director Leo Schmitz. “I am confident their enforcement efforts resulted in lives being saved.”

I think these numbers are encouraging, especially as it was predicted that this year would be one of the busiest traffic weekends of the year. Regardless, I would like to see how many of those citations were for distracted driving. Also, I would like to see the Illinois accident numbers compared to those over the last five (5) years. I think this would provide us some context as to whether the ISP’s enforcement efforts are actually reducing the number of traffic accidents.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an Illinois car crash or Illinois truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyer, Aaron J. Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.

Memorial Day Weekend Is One Of The Busiest Traffic Weekends Of The Year

Next to Thanksgiving, Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. According to AAA auto club close to 42 million Americans plan to take travel over Memorial Day weekend. This is a five (5) percent increase from last year.

In Illinois 2.04 million people plan to travel, which is an increase of four percent from 2017. Unfortunately, we will also see some of the highest gas prices in several years. It is estimated that the Illinois average for a gallon of gas is $2.95 is up from $2.70 last month, and $2.39 last year.

Based on past numbers, AAA expects to help approximately 340,000 motorists over the weekend.

This Friday, May 25, between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm is supposed to be the busiest travel period over the weekend.

A few tips to ensure you have a safe road trip:

  1. Check your battery before heading out on an extended road trip.
  2. Check alternate routes and times for leaving so as to avoid the heaviest traffic
  3. Buckle up. Not only for safety purposes, but also, state troopers will be out in full force ticketing speeders and those no wearing their seat belts.
  4. Put the phone aside. For everyone’s safety, put your phone aside and stick with the hands free technology. This is always the safest way, but especially true when there are so many people out on the road.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, please call Chicago personal injury lawyer, Aaron J. Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.

Memorial Day Weekend Draws Busy Highways

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and many people here in Chicago and throughout Illinois will be hitting the roads for weekend getaways and family visits. The Chicago Sun Times has reported some interesting statistics about the number of travelers and car accidents  that traditionally occur over this weekend what the Chicago and state police are doing to protect drivers.

Nearly 32.1 million Americans will be traveling this weekend nationwide –1.74 million of them in the state of Illinois, according to a release from AAA Chicago.

On the roads, 1.5 million people will be driving from Illinois, according to AAA Chicago.  Gas prices across the state are averaging $2.97 per gallon which is $.50 more than last year.

Last year, there was an average of nine fatalities per day with a total of 30 people who were killed in 17 crashes over the entire weekend, according to IDOT.

To help prevent the number accidents this year, local and state law enforcement agencies are cracking down on drivers not wearing seat belts. 

IDOT’s Click It or Ticket campaign began May 14 and have planned for hundreds more safety belt enforcement zones and other patrols, IDOT said.

 

Illinois State Police is focusing on speeding, seat belt use, driving under the influence, improper lane usage and following too closely as they monitor traffic, according to a release from ISP.

 

In Chicago, police are conducting DUI Strike Force Patrol in the Deering District which patrols parts of the Near South Side, from 7 p.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday, according to a release from police News Affairs.

Have a fun Memorial Day weekend, and always remember to be safe on the roads.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident , then call Chicago accident attorney  Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.BLGCHICAGO.com