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