In 2014, there were fewer fatalities from car accidents in Illinois than in nearly a century. The total of 910 traffic deaths was the lowest recorded since 1921. However, preliminary data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) indicate that fatalities are likely to increase in 2015. As of Nov. 5, the department reported 835 traffic deaths, an increase from 791 as of the same date in 2014.

The change from year to year in the death toll from car accidents is affected by many factors. Although snow and ice on roads makes driving more dangerous, traffic accidents are actually often reduced during a harsh winter, because fewer people are on the roads. This may have accounted for the record low number of fatalities for 2014. Another factor, the recent decrease in the price of gasoline, has led to more people driving, a possible factor in the projected increase in fatalities in 2015.

Even if 2015 ends with a greater number of roadway deaths than last year, the long-term trend of reduced traffic accidents is expected to continue. Illinois has seen fewer than 1,000 traffic deaths each year since 2009, while just ten years ago, the number of fatalities topped 1,300, and in 1995 there were over 1,500 traffic deaths. Experts say that trend is attributable to safer vehicles being made, and highway deaths will likely stay low and even drop further as safety innovations continue.

State safety officials said that changes such as rumble strips on roads, barrier systems and more guardrails had also made a positive impact. In addition, the 2013 ban on using handheld electronic devices while driving has likely resulted in fewer accidents, officials said.

In 2013, the most recent year for which complete information is available, there were 285,477 total car accidents in Illinois, an increase from 274,111 in 2012, according to IDOT. Nearly half of the accidents took place in Cook County, including 250 fatalities. That’s about the same number of fatalities as the year before, but 5,869 more crashes. In Illinois overall, about one-third of the 895 fatal crashes in 2013 involved alcohol, and excessive speed was a contributing factor in one third of the fatal crashes as well.

Paul Greenberg is a Chicago wrongful death lawyer with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 876 fatalities on all roadways within the state as of December 15 – 75 fewer fatalities than were recorded by the same date in 2013. In 2009, Illinois reached a modern-day low of 911 roadway deaths. Since then, the number of traffic fatalities has stayed above that number, while still remaining below 1,000 per year.

If the current trend continues, roadway deaths in Illinois will be much lower than in 2013, and possibly lower than in 2009.

IDOT and law enforcement officials are doing their part to help support that trend with a joint campaign to remind drivers to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.” As snow, ice and increased traffic during the winter holiday season bring an increased risk of accidents, strong enforcement efforts will be underway. Officers will focus on impaired, unrestrained, speeding and fatigued drivers, officials said. The enforcement efforts will also focus on nighttime hours, when more car accidents occur.

Teen driving deaths have also dropped in Illinois. In 2013, there were 71 teen fatalities, down from 155 in 2007. Officials say the state’s graduated driver licensing system, which launched in 2008, is a key factor in the decline. Under the graduated system, teenage permit holders must spend a certain amount of time driving with adult supervision before obtaining an unrestricted driver’s license.

Bob Briskman is a Chicago vehicle accident attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.

The sponsor of the law that raised speed limits said that Chicago-area limits should also be raised.

On nearly 1,900 of almost 2,170 miles of Illinois interstate highways, the speed limit is now 70 mph, an increase from a generally 65 mph limit for rural interstates. However, only approximately 30 percent of the 286-mile Illinois Tollway’s network will see an increased speed limit. Also, according to IDOT, only five relatively short sections of interstate in the Chicago area will have their speed limits raised, leaving the 55 mph speed limit in much of the Chicago area unchanged.

State Sen. Jim Oberweis, Republican of Sugar Grove, sponsored the bill that raised the speed limit. He said the limit should be raised in the Chicago area as well. IDOT had the authority to create the speed limit map, but Oberweis said the department is putting “citizens into danger.”

According to Oberweis, 85 percent of vehicles are traveling 70 mph or faster on most interstate highways, and the variation in speed limits can be a factor in automobile accidents. He said that by not raising the speed limit in most of the Chicago area, IDOT was ignoring “the will of the people.” Oberweis owns a dairy that operates trucks on the highways.

A recent analysis by the Chicago Tribune found that the “actual” speed limit in the Chicago area — the speed at which most drivers are ticketed — is 80 mph. The Tribune’s research found that 90 percent of vehicles exceed the posted 55 mph speed limit on the tollway, where the average speed is 66-70 mph.

In a statement, IDOT claimed that the speed limit would be raised on stretches of interstate highway where it is deemed safe and reasonable. IDOT said it considered the 85th percentile (the widely accepted standard of the speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are moving at or below) and other considerations. According to the IDOT statement, the department’s top priority is driver safety, and it will continue reviewing speed limits as needed.

Oberweis said that he will attempt to bring his drive for higher Chicago-area speed limits to the legislature. He said that 70 mph is a reasonable, safe and consistent speed, but that he may settle for a limit of 65 mph.

Paul Greenberg is a car accident lawyer in Chicago and car crash attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.