Traffic Safety Coalition Reminds Illinois Drivers to Exercise Good Judgment and Caution During Fourth of July Weekend

CHICAGO, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In advance of the upcoming Fourth of July long weekend, the Traffic Safety Coalition is reminding Illinois drivers to put safety first.  Whether it is packing up the car for a weekend getaway, heading out to watch the fireworks, or visiting with family and friends at a picnic or barbeque, all Illinois drivers should exercise caution and good judgment to reach their destinations safely.  In order to encourage a safer weekend, the Traffic Safety Coalition reminds Illinois drivers to remember these four simple steps when traversing Illinois' roads:

1).  Observe intersection safety:  Obey all red lights and stop signs, and come to a complete stop before turning right on red.  Watch for pedestrians, especially children, who may linger in crosswalks.

• According to national studies, more than 8,500 fatalities annually are caused by crashes at intersections throughout the U.S.

2).  Check your speed:  Obey posted speed limits, and slow down in areas with increased pedestrian traffic during parades and fireworks celebrations.  Also, account for heavy traffic and delays by allowing plenty of time for your trip to avoid speeding to make up for lost time.  

• There are more than 13,000 fatalities annually caused by speeding-related crashes in America, representing 31 percent of all fatal crashes.

3).  Buckle up:  Always wear a seatbelt, even for short trips.  

• According to the National Highway Safety Administration, wearing a seatbelt can cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.

4).  Don't drink and drive:  While holidays are a time for celebration, do not consume alcohol when driving afterwards.  If drinking, use public transportation, call a cab, or appoint a designated driver.

• According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), on average someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes and about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.

The Traffic Safety Coalition is a grassroots organization comprised of public safety professionals, law enforcement officials, victims' advocates, health care professionals, academics, and industry leaders who are united in support of sensible policies that protect motorists and pedestrians on our nation's roads.  For more information, please visit www.trafficsafetycoalition.com.

SOURCE Traffic Safety Coalition

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED