IDOT urges safe driving for Speed Awareness Day

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – July 17 is deemed Speed Awareness Day in Illinois. For the occasion, the Illinois Department of Transportation is collaborating with several agencies to remind drivers to drive slow and stay safe.

IDOT said that speeding is the leading cause of car crashes. In Illinois, 1,241 people were killed in crashes just last year. More than half of those deaths were due to speeding.

“Unfortunately, we keep seeing alarming rates of speed-related crashes,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Crashes caused by speeding are 100% avoidable and always come with a cost, whether it’s tickets, hospital bills, court dates or, most unfortunately, someone’s life.”

Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other law enforcement entities are partnering with IDOT to promote the speeding prevention campaign, “Speeding Catches Up with You.”

“A road trip isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the ride and all the things you’ll find on the way,” said Jonlee Anderle, the NHTSA’s Region 5 Administrator. “But if you’re speeding, you may miss out – or you just might never arrive at all. That’s because Speeding Catches Up with You, which is the theme of this year’s campaign. Speeding is stressful, it’s inconsiderate to other drivers, and it makes you a danger to yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. We all share the road, so slow down, enjoy the ride, and get to your destination safely.”

For more information and an interactive lesson on speeding, click here .

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