ILLINOIS TRAFFIC DEATHS DROP TO LOWEST LEVEL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois' traffic fatality rate last year dropped to its lowest level since the 1940s. It also marked the four consecutive year that the state's traffic death toll decline, according to statistics released by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

There were 1,375 traffic deaths in Illinois during 1992, a decrease of nearly 5 percent from the 1,444 deaths in 1991. Fewer people died on Illinois highways during 1992 than any year since 1944, when driving was curtailed because of restrictions imposed during World War II.

Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar said the decline is even more remarkable because of an increased number of people and vehicles on Illinois roadways last year.

Figures released by the state show the 1992 traffic fatality rate fell to 1.6 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, down from the previous record of 1.7 in 1991. This occurred despite the fact that travel in the state increased by 2.3 percent, to 87.64 billion miles.

"I am delighted that we are continuing to make great progress in saving lives on the roads of Illinois," the governor said. "The crackdown on drunk driving, our successful efforts to increase seat belt use and the continued improvement of roads have all contributed to a historic decline in traffic fatalities."

For the first six months of 1992, the number of fatalities resulting from crashes in which drivers had alcohol in their blood system decreased 12.2 percent from the same period in 1991. There were 216 people killed in drunk driving crashes during the six month period, compared to 246 a year earlier.

About 66 percent of the motorists observed in Illinois are now using safety belts, according to a January 1993 survey conducted by the state. This compares to the nationwide average of 62 percent. Department officials say the increased use of seat belts and child safety seats is believed to be a major factor in the reduction of motor vehicle accident fatalities.

Similar declines in fatalities were also achieved in other major categories. The most notable was a 43 percent decline in deaths in highway construction zones. In 1992, there 20 deaths, compared to 35 in 1991. Officials attribute the decline to state police patrolling the construction zones and the educational campaign of "Give 'em A Brake," which urges motorists to slow down and drive with caution through construction zones.

Motorcycle fatalities decreased eight percent in 1992, dropping from 112 deaths in 1991 to 102 in 1992.

The number of pedestrian fatalities in Illinois decreased by more than 13 percent, down from 219 in 1991 to 190 in 1992.

The number of people killed in semi-truck accidents was also down last year. There were 112 deaths reported in 1992, an 8.2 percent decrease from the 122 fatalities in 1991.

In Southern Illinois, Williamson County continued to lead all other Southern Illinois counties in traffic fatalities, according to state figures. In 1992, 17 people were killed in Williamson County accidents, compared to 13 in 1992, an increase of four. Other Southern Illinois counties that showed an increase in traffic deaths last year over those in 1991 were Alexander County, 6 deaths in 1992, 4 in 1991; and Randolph County, 10 deaths in 1992, 8 in 1991.

Southern Illinois counties that showed a decrease in motor vehicle fatalities last year were: Jackson County, 7 fatalities, compared to 9 in 1991; Massac County, 3 deaths, compared to 5 in 1991; and Pulaski County, no fatalities, 2 in 1991. Union County's 1992 traffic death toll last year was 5, the same as 1991.