Authorities are urging motorists to use caution in an effort to avoid Chicago car accidents during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
While New Year’s is often cited as a dangerous holiday for driving, increased enforcement and public service announcements have largely negated the dangers. Meanwhile, the three summer holidays — Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day — continue to pose a significant risk to motorists on the road.The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police have announced intensive traffic enforcement campaigns that will run through the weekend.
Last year, 30 motorists were killed in Illinois car accidents during the Memorial Day weekend, a huge jump from the 8 deaths recorded during 2008.
“We are proud to partner with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies throughout the state, to prepare the public for the summer driving months,” said Illinois State Police Acting Director Jonathon E. Monken.
Of primary concern will be preventing Chicago drunk driving accidents. A total of 435 of Illinois’ 1,043 car accidents were caused by a drunk driver in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Officials are also stressing boating safety in an effort to reduce Chicago boating accidents as the summer boating season begins in earnest with the arrival of Memorial Day weekend. The Chicago Tribune reports 102 Illinois boating accidents last year killed 25 people and injured 71.
Number of fatal holiday traffic accidents in Illinois in 2008
New Year’s Eve: 2
Memorial Day: 7
Fourth of July: 14
Labor Day: 12
Thanksgiving: 8
Christmas: 8
Nationwide holiday traffic accidents
New Year’s: 141
Memorial Day: 370
Fourth of July: 437
Labor Day: 423
Thanksgiving: 439
Christmas: 364
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the Chicago car accident attorneys and the personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.