ISP urges drivers to drive safe, avoid Fatal Four | News

(KFVS) - Illinois State Police Captain Thomas Stehley, District 13 Commander, is reminding drivers to avoid the Fatal Four in an effort to reduce the increasing number of deadly traffic crashes.

ISP calls the most common traffic violations the Fatal Four. They include speeding, driving under the influence, not wearing seat belts and distracted driving.

The National Safety Council reports traffic deaths are up 11 percent nation-wide in the first four months of 2012. ISP says Illinois is also seeing an increase in motor-vehicle deaths.

“I would rather see more voluntary compliance from the motoring public than hand out more citations,” said 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."

According to ISP, Illinois' roads have seen a 21 percent increase in traffic deaths in 2012. There have been 73 more deaths from traffic crashes this year than from the same time last year. Illinois roads have seen 373 deadly crashes resulting in 411 deaths so far this year.

ISP says in District 13 counties there have been 18 deadly crashes resulting in 19 deaths since January 1 to the present time. They say deaths from crashes are up from this time in 2011.

In an effort to reduce deaths, ISP 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.

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