SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today that 23 persons lost their lives as a result of 15 fatal crashes on Illinois roadways during the Labor Day weekend. This total compares to 18 fatalities and 16 crashes over the 1999 Labor Day weekend. The average number for the last six years is 21 fatalities.
“A tragic one-car crash in the Chicago area in which six men were killed raised the number drastically,” said ISP Director Sam W. Nolen. “That single incident aside, highway deaths would have been well below our recent average.”
The Illinois State Police issued nearly 17,000 citations and written warnings over the four-day period. In addition, troopers made 167 DUI arrests and provided assistance to more than 2,000 motorists.
Additionally, the Illinois State Police issued nearly 2,000 citations for safety belt and child restraint violations as part of the Click It or Ticket initiative. In addition to the ISP, over 300 local law enforcement agencies are participating in the campaign. |
