Gov. Blagojevich announces Illinois drivers are buckling
up as they hit the roadways
First-half of 2006 reveals fewer traffic
fatalities than ever before
SPRINGFIELD-Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today Illinois drivers are
buckling up more than ever across the state. The Illinois Department of
Transportation reports that 88% of drivers observed are wearing their seatbelts,
up five percent from two years ago. At the same time, the number of traffic
fatalities continues to decrease. For the first-half of this year, IDOT reports
607 fatalities, down from last year.
“We are proud to see Illinois drivers working to keep
themselves protected on roadways by buckling up,” said Governor
Blagojevich. “In 2003, we changed the law in Illinois, giving
police the authority to stop motorists for not wearing their
seat belt. As a result, we’re seeing more people than ever
wearing their seat belts and we’re seeing lives being saved.”
Before the primary enforcement law, police could not pull a driver over based
solely on a seatbelt violation. At that time, seatbelt usage was at 76 %. Since
the Governor signed the law back in July of 2003, usage had rised to 86% in June
of 2005, and 88% in June of 2006.
In 2004, the first year that marked primary enforcement, there were nearly
1355 fatalities reported. Through the first six months of this year, there have
been 607 deaths, one less than last year, and 41 fewer than the same time period
in 2004.
“The numbers show that Illinoisans are heeding our suggestions and buckling
up more which is also resulting in fewer traffic fatalities,” said Illinois
Department of Transportation Secretary Timothy W. Martin. “This is positive
because the increased enforcement is working which means more lives are being
saved.”
“We have many of the same goals as IDOT. One of the top priorities within
both agencies is keeping the roadways safe for motorists,” said Illinois State
Police Director Larry Trent. “I am urging all troopers to continue to take a
zero tolerance approach in seat belt enforcement. It’s continues to be proven
that buckling up saves lives.”
In addition to primary seatbelt enforcement, another law signed by Governor
Blagojevich is contributing to safer roads. The law increased the age of
children to be restrained in booster seats from 4 years old to 8 years old.
Since the Governor signed the law in 2003, the state has hosted a series of car
seat inspection events with 21st Century Insurance. Illinois State Police
Officers and members of the Illinois Department of Transportation have inspected
over 953 child safety seat installations. In addition, 21st Century Insurance
has provided over 1000 child safety seats to Illinois families.
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