SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Provisional figures released today by the Illinois State Police show that 22 persons lost their lives on Illinois roadways over the five-day Fourth of July weekend. Last year, which consisted of a four-day reporting period, 21 persons died. The average for the Independence Day weekend for the years 1995 through 1999 is 22 traffic fatalities.
The 22 fatalities were the result of 19 fatal crashes. Ten of the crashes occurred between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., while nine occurred between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. Fourteen of the fatal crashes happened on city streets and county roads, while five occurred on interstate , state, and U.S. highways. Of the victims, 18 were males, and four were females. There were five fatal crashes on Friday, eight on Saturday, two on Sunday, one on Monday, and three on Tuesday.
The Illinois State Police issued more than 15,000 citations and written warnings over the weekend, nearly 7,000 of which were for speeding. They also made 134 DUI arrests, issued 388 alcohol-related citations, and cited nearly 1,800 people for seat belt and child restraint violations. Troopers also came to the aid of more than 2,300 motorists who needed their assistance. |
