SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Police announced today there were no traffic deaths reported in the state on July 4. During the 30-hour travel period that began Tuesday at 6 p.m. and ended Wednesday at midnight, there was only one traffic fatality reported and that occurred on July 3 in Cook County.
"Police across the state have been conducting very aggressive enforcement and traffic safety education campaigns this summer and the motoring public has been asked to comply with traffic laws and drive defensively," said ISP Director Sam Nolen. "To have a no-traffic death day, policing efforts and public support have to come together."
On a typical day, three to four persons die in traffic crashes on Illinois highways. During the most recent 30 hour July 4 travel periods, an average of 7 traffic deaths have occurred, including 10 deaths in 1998, which was on a Friday and Saturday.
"Some luck is needed to have a holiday with no traffic deaths," said Nolen. "But, I believe you make your good luck with hard work through patrol efforts and public education."
The Click It or Ticket and "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" campaigns are underway across the state, continuing through Sunday. Over 400 police agencies across the state are participating in these efforts to keep drunk and other unsafe drivers off the roads.
"If everyone would buckle up and obey traffic laws, especially relating to alcohol consumption and speeding, there is no doubt, traffic deaths and injuries would be lower this weekend and through the year," Nolen concluded.
ISP pointed out the July 4, 2001 traffic death figures are provisional. | 
