Updated 2/18/2021 4:10 PM
In a year when thousands hunkered down at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people killed in traffic crashes spiked by 15.6% in Illinois.
And despite fewer vehicle trips, fatal crashes rose by 13%, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports.
Why is that? Generally speaking, when there is less traffic, there is a temptation to exceed the posted speed limit, Illinois State Police Deputy Sgt. Delila Garcia said, adding that the agency could not speculate on the 2020 numbers specifically. The Illinois State Police is asking the motoring public to fight the temptation.
The state isn t alone. Across the U.S., miles traveled by vehicles dropped by 14.5% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. But fatal crashes rose 4.6% nationwide January through September.
Tunnel under Route 45 to provide key link in Lake County trail
About 400 feet of a high-pressure gas line is being relocated along Route 45 near Antioch to make way for a tunnel beneath the road that will link the Raven Glen and Ethel s Woods forest preserves. It s part of a broader effort to link the Millennium Trail through central, western and northern Lake County. Paul Valade | Staff Photographer A rendering details the work being done along Route 45 near Antioch. A tunnel beneath the road will fill a gap in the Millennium Trail and connect Raven Glen and Ethel s Woods forest preserves.
As road crews continue to respond to the snow, the Illinois Department of Transportation reminds they are clearing the roads as quick as they can but need your help. That incl
The predominant theme Monday in central Illinois was snow and persistent temperatures well below normal.
Snowfall totals in and around Peoria
As of about 6 a.m. Monday, 1.2 inches of snow had fallen since midnight officially in Peoria, according to Kirk Huettl, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Lincoln.
Huettl estimated close to 2 inches had fallen by mid-morning before a snowfall lull. Snow was expected to resume about 2 p.m., with a main wave lasting until about 8 p.m.
Total snowfall was expected to be between 4 and 5 inches, Huettl said.
Amounts were to be lower north and northwest of Peoria. Galesburg was to receive between 1 and 3 inches, according to Huettl. But heavier totals were anticipated to the east and southeast, with up to 7 inches possible in Bloomington and Springfield.
The Illinois Department of Transportation offers tips to keep you safe in snowy, cold and icy conditions
Published on February 15, 2021 at 10:43 am
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Parts of the Chicago area could see more than a foot of snow as a major blast of winter weather hits the region again starting Monday.
When bad weather hits, it s always best to stay off the roads. If you don t have a choice, the Illinois Department of Transportation has important information to keep you safe.
IDOT recommends that drivers:
Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois.
Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking all are required in winter driving conditions.