Our Chicago car accident attorneys remind motorists of the state’s website, www.gettingaroundillinois.com, which has long been a favorite of travelers, truckers and weather forecasters and has been redesigned just in time for the winter driving season.
The site provides information on weather, road condition, road construction, travel delays, preferred trucking routes and average daily volume of traffic. As we have reported here before in preparation for winter driving season, proper planning, especially during the busy upcoming holiday travel season, can reduce your risk of being involved in a serious or fatal Chicago car accident. “The relaunched Getting Around Illinois site makes it easier than ever for the public to tap into a wealth of travel information compiled by IDOT staff,” said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.
Authorities will be out in force through the holidays in an effort to reduce the number of fatal crashes. After several years of declines, the number of people killed in accidents on Illinois roads could increase this year, according to state statistics. There were two fewer fatalities through Dec. 14 of this year. So far this year, 877 motorists have been killed in fatal accidents on Illinois roads, compared to 879 during the same period last year.
The site’s interactive map of Illinois permits users to map their trips and include stops at points of interest throughout the state. It also includes the locations of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, museums, schools and government offices. Forecasts and road conditions are updated every 10 minutes and the site has averaged 50,000 hits a month since its debut five years ago. Among the improvements in the redesign is enhanced information for the commercial trucking industry, including weight restrictions on local roads and bridges. IDOT hopes the new information will reduce the number of heavy or illegal trucks on area roads while lowering the risk of serious and fatal tractor-trailer accidents in Illinois.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.