“We hope everyone enjoys the festivities of Super Bowl Weekend, but we want to remind everyone – before you decide to drink- to choose a sober designated driver,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Anne Schneider. “We want
you to hand off your keys to ensure you, your passengers and everyone on our roadways can return home safely. Drunk driving is always preventable, and driving drunk or buzzed could result in seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else.”

Last year, four people in Illinois died in car crashes on Superbowl Sunday–three of them involving alcohol.

Illinois State Police and local law enforcement plan on stepping up their enforcement and will be extra vigilant for impaired drivers on Sunday.

“Motorists can expect the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to have a visible presence and to stop anyone who makes the dangerous decision to drink and drive,” said Schneider.

“Driving under the influence is still the number one cause for traffic crashes and fatalities, during the holidays, and Super Bowl weekend is no different,” said ISP Director Hiram Grau. “The Illinois State Police will strictly enforce DUI and will target those violators who place their lives and the lives of others at risk when they choose alcohol over safety.”

IDOT and Illinois law enforcement suggest designating a driver before the festivities begin, taking a taxi or mass transit home after the party or even walk home if you can.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party serve plenty of food to help absorb and non-alcoholic beverages, make sure anyone overindulging does not drive themselves home and consider stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter.

Go Bears!

State agencies encouraging drivers to celebrate responsibly this New Year's

It’s the most dangerous holiday of the year.

According to AAA, and analysis of NHTSA historical crash data, New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day is far and away the deadliest holiday of the year.

That’s why the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and over 300 law enforcement agencies across the state will be stepping up efforts to reduce traffic fatalities this New Year’s.

With just a few days left in 2012, state traffic fatalities are at 946 compared to 918 in 2011–a 3% increase.

These sobering numbers are another reason IDOT’s “Drive To Survive” campaign is ramping up for the holiday with more roadside safety checks, safety belt enforcement zones and generally heavier traffic patrols and enforcement by state, county and municipal police departments.

“Unfortunately, New Year’s on Illinois roadways is deadly and can be one of most dangerous times of the year because of drunk drivers,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. “Driving a vehicle while intoxicated jeopardizes your safety and the safety of others on our roadways. If you are going to drink, plan another way home before the celebration begins, and always buckle up in the front seat and back.”

IDOT crash data shows in the past five years over the New Year’s holiday there were 12,750 crashes, injuring 3,114 people and killing 42. Alcohol was involved 41% of the time.

During New Year’s 2011, nine people died and 502 were injured.

IDOT, AAA and nearly every other traffic safety organization is hammering home using common sense if you go out New Year’s Eve including using a designated driver or calling a cab to get you home safely.

Public transportation is always another option, and as usual the CTA is offering bus and train rides for a measly single penny on New Year’s Eve.

Happy’s New Year’s everyone.

Traffic is expected to be up, law enforcement will be up and even gas prices are up.

And if motorists want to avoid spending the majority of their holiday stuck in traffic, two automobile related services are encouraging drivers to start their trips sooner than later.

Wednesday–The Great Escape

Not surprisingly, Wednesday is expected to be the busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving holiday.

AAA say 45% of all travelers plan on leaving Wednesday, with 36% planning on returning Sunday.

“All day Wednesday will be ‘get-away’ day with Sunday typically the return day,” says Steven Haas, veteran traffic reporter for News Radio 780. “It will probably be worse on Wednesday, with folks returning gradually, over the weekend.”

INRIX Traffic, which provides traffic information data, recently ranked Chicago fourth in their report of the nation’s busiest holiday traffic hot spots. INRIX suggests holiday travelers should hit the road no later than 2 PM.

AAA concurs with the 2 PM rule for a smoother, faster road trip. They say if you leave after 2 PM your trip will take an average 26% more time than if you left before that time.

More Cars On The Road

According to AAA, more cars will be traveling this year than last.

AAA projects 2.08 million Illinois residents will be traveling in 2012, a mild 0.6% increase over last year. Nationally, this is the fourth consecutive year of increased Thanksgiving holiday travel after a steep 25% decrease in travel nationally in 2008 when the recession was at its height.

“Thanksgiving travel hit a decade low in 2008 when only 37.8 million Americans traveled,” said AAA Chicago Regional President Brad Roeber. “Since that year we have seen a steady increase in the number of travelers taking to the roads and skies for the holiday. ”

AAA attributes the less than 1% increase in automobile travelers for the holidays to gas prices finally coming back down to somewhat normal prices and the economy a bit stronger.

Increased Traffic Enforcement

At a Tuesday morning press conference at the State of Illinois Building, Lt. Paul Riggio promised drivers the Illinois State Police will be out patrolling all state roads during the holiday and will be looking for drunk drivers and enforcing seat belt laws.

“We want to insure everyone reaches their final destination,” said Riggio. “Even one fatality is one too many to the ISP.”

Last year Riggio says the ISP made 171 DUI arrests, issued tickets to 2800 speeders, 850 safety belt violations, 40 distracted drivers and 57 instances of carrying open alcohol.

Also at the press conference, Sgt. Scott Slavin, said the Chicago Police Department is planning heavy enforcement as well this holiday.

“We will be out in full force this weekend,” said Slavin. “If you are driving drunk you will be arrested. If you’re driving without a seatbelt you be stopped and cited.”

According to IDOT eight people died on Illinois roadways last Thanksgiving weekend with 50% of the fatal crashes involving alcohol.

Gas Prices Higher Than Last Year

While fuel prices have been declining rapidly from the unexpected high this past summer and early fall, gas prices are still a bit more expensive than for this time last year.

Both AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report and gas price tracking website ChicagoGasPrices.com says the average price for unleaded gasoline in the greater Chicagoland area is around nine cents higher than Thanksgiving 2011.

AAA is projecting a third straight year of increases in Labor Day automobile travel nationally and in Illinois. The group estimates 1.8 million people will be driving more than 50 miles over the next few days, a 2.6% increase from 2011.

And that’s despite higher gas prices, where statewide the average cost of unleaded gasoline is going for $4.13 per gallon, a full 30 cents per gallon higher than last year according to AAA’s daily Fuel Gauge Report.

More Traffic = Longer Delays

With more cars on the road, expect slightly longer travel times this holiday according to INRIX, a company that provides traffic data and information.

INRIX predicts Chicago will have the 8th worst Labor Day holiday traffic in the nation, despite the Windy City’s 10th place rank in overall traffic congestion.

If you want to avoid traffic getting out of town this weekend, hit the road no later than lunch time or after 9 PM Friday. Otherwise, INRIX spokeperson Jim Bak recommends waiting until Saturday morning to depart.

“Traffic Friday will look like a longer version of a normal Friday rush hour, meaning conditions will be unpleasant well into the evening,” says Bak, INRIX Director of Community Relations. “Travelers thinking they’ll avoid extra traffic by waiting for Saturday to depart will have better luck as long as they’re on the road before lunchtime, as traffic will pick up around 2 p.m. and peak between 3 and 4 p.m.”

IDOT Suspends Road Construction Over Holiday

In order to ease traffic congestion and improve flow, the Illinois Department of Transportation will be suspending all non-emergency roadwork over the holiday weekend starting at 3 PM Friday.

“During the Labor Day holiday, we will again suspend all non-emergency road work on state roadways, where possible, to improve traffic flow and to kick-start the heavily traveled weekend,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “To reduce potential roadway congestion and improve safety, we are also providing a list of lane closures on our website, with a breakdown by county, to help motorists plan their trips.”

IDOT also urges drivers to slow down, obey speed limits and be cautious in work zones as work zone speed limits are still in effect wherever posted even if no workers are present.

All roadwork construction projects will resume after midnight on Monday.

Expect Heavy Traffic Safety Enforcement

IDOT and the Illinois State Police will also be spearheading their normally massive traffic enforcement working with over 350 municipal and county law enforcement in conducting over 200 roadside safety checks and hundreds of additional checks for impaired driving and safety belt compliance.

“IDOT is committed to improving safety on Illinois roadways, protecting innocent motorists from those who make the wrong choice to drink and drive, and driving zero fatalities to reality,” said Schneider. “This Labor Day weekend, law enforcement across the state is cracking down on impaired drivers and seat belt law violators, as it is proven this approach consistently and effectively improves traffic safety, prevents motor vehicle crashes and fatalities as well as minimizes potential injuries on Illinois roadways.”

While IDOT reports nine people lost their lives in vehicle crashes last Labor Day weekend, the Illinois State Police are pushing for zero fatalities this year by enforcing what they call the “Fatal 4″, which includes: speeding, DUI, seat belts, and distracted driving.

“Every motorist should think twice before drinking and driving this Labor Day weekend”, said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. “Law enforcement officers statewide will be enforcing the Fatal 4 traffic laws, and those motorists who choose to violate the traffic laws will face the consequences.”

During the four day holiday last year, State Police issued 2,536 tickets for speeding, 740 seatbelt violations, 40 distracted driver violations and made 69 DUI arrests.

Both the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Tollway Authority and a handful of other groups have launched the Embrace the Orange Campaign to reduce traffic related crashes, injuries and deaths in road work zones.

Work Zone Awareness Week began Monday, April 23rd and runs through Friday.

IDOT says there are an average of over 7,000 work zone crashes in Illinois each year. Last year, 24 people died in work zones statewide. Of the 24, one victim was a pedestrian, two were construction workers, and 21 were drivers or vehicle passengers.The goal is to reduce work zone deaths to zero.

“With 2012 construction under way, the Embrace the Orange campaign strongly encourages all motorists and workers to be extremely cautious this year and take all necessary steps to be aware and protect themselves in and around work zones,” said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “Last year, 21 fatal crashes in work zones occurred across the state, including one of IDOT’s own employees. Although this marks the lowest rate in four years, IDOT and its partners are determined to help ensure that there are no more work zone fatalities – one work zone crash, fatality or injury is one too many.”

According to IDOT speed and inattentiveness while driving through road construction areas are major contributing factors to work zone crashes.

“Construction zones can become fatal zones if road safety precautions are not followed and the Illinois State Police is committed to an overall zero fatality goal that also includes reducing work zone crashes,” said Illinois State Police Operational Services Commander Jay Keevan. “Our Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality message is clear and it should remind every motorist that every life counts and one life lost is one too many.”

Since 2004, if you’re caught speeding through a work zone, the fine is $375 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for second-time offenders which also comes with the loss of the offender’s driver’s license for 90 days.

If If a motorist strikes a worker, they could face a $10,000 fine and up to 14 years in prison.

The Illinois State Police warn that photo speed enforcement vans will again be deployed during construction season.

Drivers should slow down while in work zones be attentive–especially if mobile speed cam vans are present. That’s because signs announcing the vans’ presence are posted at the entrance to a work zone and a speed indicator mounted above the van gives the driver a last chance to slow down before a ticket is issued by mail.

GEEK TIP: Give workers a brake. Slow down and pay attention driving through work zones this construction season. Not only is it safer for you and workers, but work zone tickets are costly.

At $4.04 per gallon, Chicago has highest gas prices in America

As many Chicagoans prepare to leave town for a long Labor Day holiday weekend, local drivers will face the highest gas prices in the nation.

It’s not really a surprise that gas prices rise right before a major getaway weekend. There’s always a mild spike before the Labor Day weekend.

Demand goes up, prices rise. Nothing new here.

But in Chicago gas prices aren’t just artificially high due to the holiday, but rank as the highest gas prices of any city in America according to gas price tracking website GasBuddy.com.

GasBuddy’s local site, ChicagoGasPrices.com has the average price of regular unleaded gasoline pegged at $4.04 as of late Thursday night–four cents a gallon higher than second place, Honolulu, HI and $1.18 per gallon higher than 2010.

Automobile Travel Flat Predicts AAA

Despite the fact that gas is over 40% higher than last year, AAA estimates a tiny increase in the number of people traveling by car this holiday weekend. AAA projects 1.6 million people from Illinois will be taking a car trip this weekend, just a .1 percent increase over 2010.

Overall, AAA believes travel will be down nationally, but car travel mildly up possibly due to declining gas prices which are about 10% lower than record highs that peaked around Memorial Day.

“AAA is projecting a decrease in the number of Labor Day travelers as some Americans react to recent economic uncertainty and increasing air fares,” said Brad Roeber, regional president of AAA Chicago. “While automobile travel is expected to increase slightly, if recent declines in gasoline prices continue through Labor Day, we could see an increase in last-minute holiday weekend travel.”

Traffic Enforcement Will Be High

As usual, motor vehicle enforcement will be very intense this weekend on Illinois roadways.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, working with over 350 local law enforcement agencies, will conduct nearly 100 roadside safety checks statewide this weekend.

While 12 people lost their lives, and 763 people were injured in car accidents in Illinois last year, the Illinois State Police are aiming for “zero fatalities” by enforcing the four most common causes of fatal car crashes: speeding, distracted driving, not wearing a seat belt and DUI according to the ISP.

“Troopers will saturate the expressways and roadways looking for speeders, impaired drivers, seat belt violators and distracted drivers,” said ISP Director Hiram Grau. “Drivers have the choice of spending the holiday weekend safely, or in jail. Anyone getting behind the wheel should think twice and drive responsibly because ISP troopers will be waiting and watching for Fatal 4 violators.”

Last year, Illinois State Police issued 4,707 tickets for speeding violations during the 4-day holiday period from Friday to Monday. During that same time period, there were 67 DUI arrests; 1,699 seatbelt violations; and 27 distracted driver violations.

“Whether a motorist is driving under the influence, or influencing criminal activity, our troopers will maintain zero tolerance for breaking the law,” he stressed.

Expect High Traffic Friday Afternoon, Sunday Evening

Traditionally, travelers leaving the Chicago metro area begins around lunch time according to NewsRadio 780 traffic reporter Steven Haas. This according to Haas will give make for an extended and prolonged evening rush hour on Friday.

On the way back Monday evening, drivers should expect major delays from late afternoon well into late evening as late as 10 PM.

The best advice is to leave early and come home early. Or if you can, leave late and return late. Both strategies work to keep your travel times from increasing due to traffic backups in and out of the city.

But Haas’ best tip is just to relax and take it easy–even if you hit some traffic..

“Slow down, keep your cool, and get there alive,” says Haas. “There will be plenty of state troopers out there to make sure everyone drives nice.”

Drivers of color beware.

The chances of black and Hispanic motorists being issued a ticket after a traffic stop is greater than if your skin is white.

At least that’s according to a study of Illinois Department of Transportation data compiled by the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Research in Law and Justice.

Data on every traffic stop that occurred within the state of Illinois in 2010 was part of the report, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times.

While white drivers involved in a traffic stop were ticketed 55% of the time, minority drivers drove away with a violation 63% of the time.

Hispanic drivers had the worst numbers, getting hit with a ticket 66% of the time, while Asians and black drivers came in at 62%.

Interestingly enough, Chicago cops were very even handed giving all drivers, no matter the race, a traffic violation in 65% of all traffic stops.

This study also showed some insight into racial disparities of what are called “consent searches” where a police officer asks to search a stopped vehicle due to a suspicion of contraband.

While these type of searches only happen in 1% of stops statewide, minority motorists have a greater chance of being asked for a consent search by double the percentage of when white drivers are asked.

Study: Minority Drivers More Likely to be Searched than White Drivers: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

But, shockingly Chicago cops ask for consent searches from minorities six times more often than of white drivers.

This insight comes on the heels of the ACLU of Illinois requesting a federal investigation into similar allegations of racial profiling in traffic stops by Illinois State Police, as reported by the Huffington Post Chicago’s Will Guzzardi.

Read all the details of the study in the Sun-Times piece, “Study: Minorities more likely to get tickets, have vehicles searched.”

Watch out this holiday weekend motorists.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning drivers local and state law enforcement will be out in force for the 4th of July holiday.

According to IDOT this holiday enforcement effort actually began on June 17th and culminates this weekend. State Police and local law enforcement statewide have scheduled 200 DUI checkpoints and 300 nighttime safety belt enforcement zones. These checkpoints are in addition to the large police presence that will be patrolling roads around the state this weekend.

“The number of fatalities and injuries on Illinois roadways has declined in recent years due to many factors including effective traffic safety programs, excellent safety engineering, strategic partnerships with law enforcement and the fact that more motorists are buckling up today than ever before,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig via press release. “Even with these accomplishments, however, impaired driving is still responsible for far too many motor vehicle deaths and injuries across Illinois. IDOT stands firm in its goal to eradicate the senseless act of drinking and driving on Illinois roadways.”

Historic crash data from 2009 indicates 319 people (35% of all motor vehicle fatalities) in Illinois died in vehicle crashes which a drunk driver was at the wheel.

So drive safely this weekend. Wear your seat belt and for God’s sake don’t drink and drive.

Happy Independence Day everyone.

The online newspaper first reported on the ACLU’s claims that a disproportionate number of “consent searches” are performed on motorists of color in traffic stops by state troopers. The organization even went on to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation of the ISP.

A spokesperson for the Illinois State Police denied the allegations claiming state troopers request consent for search from just 2 out of every 1000 stopped drivers–less than 1%.

Quinn has asked ISP Director Hiram Grau to look into these allegations.

Read the Huffington Post full story, “Illinois State Police Racial Bias: Quinn Calls For Inquiry, ISP Denies Claims.”

At least that’s according to what the ACLU says in an article at Huffington Post Chicago.

But, according to the ACLU, they have data that shows white drivers are 2.5 times more likely to have contraband in the car than Latinos even though white drivers are stopped less.

According to the HuffPo Chicago piece:

“Years of public data show that a practice called a “consent search,” where officers ask to search a car despite having insufficient legal evidence for the search, disproportionately targets minority drivers.”

Based on this data, the ACLU has asked the U.S. Justice Department to look into these allegations.

Here’s Will Guzzardi’s full story, “ACLU: Illinois State Police Show Racial Bias In Traffic Stops.”