In an effort to reduce the increasing number of fatal traffic crashes, Captain Thomas Stehley, District 13 Commander, would like to remind Illinois motorists to avoid the Fatal Four. 

The ISP identifies the Fatal Four most common traffic violations as speeding, driving under the influence, failure to wear seat belts, and distracted driving.
   
The National Safety Council reports motor-vehicle deaths are up 11% nation-wide in the first four months of 2012.  Illinois is also seeing an increase in motor-vehicle deaths.

Illinois’ roadways have seen a 21% increase in traffic fatalities in 2012.  There have been 73 more fatalities from traffic crashes this year than from the same time last year.  Illinois roadways have seen 373 fatal crashes resulting in 411 deaths so far this year. 

In District 13 counties (Jefferson, Franklin, Williamson, Jackson, Randolph, Perry, and Washington) there has been 18 fatal crashes resulting in 19 deaths since January 1st to the present time.  Fatalities resulting from crashes are up from this time in 2011.

“I would rather see more voluntary compliance from the motoring public than hand out more citations,” stated Captain Stehley.   “We all need to do our part to prevent fatal traffic crashes.  We need to buckle up, slow down, refrain from driving distracted and always remember never drive intoxicated,” he continued.

In an effort to reduce fatalities, the Illinois State Police continues to use enforcement activities and educational programs aimed at educating individuals on safe driving habits.  Any organization that would like to schedule a safe driving presentation should contact Trooper David Sneed at 618-927-1917 or david_sneed@isp.state.il.us.