State Agencies Campaign For Safe Summer Travel

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With the summer travel season underway, the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) is reminding drivers to review their auto insurance policies.

Jack Messmore, DOIs acting director says it is important for drivers to check their coverage before hitting the road.

When a car accident occurs, no one can better understand the feelings of trauma and confusion than those involved, Messmore said in a release. The Department is encouraging consumers to review auto insurance policies in advance to better prepare for unexpected emergencies.

If a driver is not aware of their insurance coverage prior to an accident it can prove to be detrimental. Messmore says a driver should know if their policy carries collision coverage or if they have to pay a deductible.

Messmore adds that drivers are still financially responsible if they are in a crash without proper insurance.

If you are in an accidentyoure still liable for the cost of injuries, [etc.], he said.

Under Illinois law, all motor vehicles must be insured; however, beyond the legality aspect, insurance also helps protect the consumer.

Messmore adds that with no insurance coverage, a driver is susceptible to their personal assets being targeted to cover damages and/or medical bills.

According to the 2009 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics report, 89,090 persons were injured in car crashes.

Rear-end collisions comprise the highest number of injury crashes, resulting in 28.8 percent of all injuries in 2009. Rear-end collisions, which are also responsible for the greatest number of property damage crashes, account for 27.4 percent of total crashes.

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 in a release statement. 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.

Crash data indicates 319 people in Illinois died in crashes in 2009 that involved an impaired driver. This number represents 35 percent of the motor vehicle fatalities that occurred that year.

Citizens should be aware not to drink and drive, if caught drivers can face serious legal consequences.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal charge prosecuted in court. Legal penalties in court and drivers license sanctions administered by the Illinois Secretary of States Office are significant.

During the summer months, weekends provide families and friends with an opportunity to come together and enjoy the warm weather, said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. .[As]the summer driving season shifts into gear, the Illinois State Police want to remind motorists to stay focused behind the wheel, obey all traffic laws and avoid unnecessary distractions. Our goal is to make the summer driving season as safe as possible.

Thelma Sardin

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