CHICAGO –– Although automobile crash fatalities nationwide have increased, Secretary of State Jesse White reported that the number of crash fatalities in Illinois dropped for the year 2000. Alcohol-related crash fatalities also decreased in Illinois last year.
"We are pleased to report this decrease in the number of crash fatalities," White said. "However, even one death reported is one too many.
"I think Illinois motorists are responding to programs and public awareness campaigns that prevent drunk driving, not only the programs within this office but other initiatives sponsored by MADD, SADD, AAIM and IDOT. And we must also recognize law enforcement for the important role they play in keeping our highways safe."
According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the total number of crash fatalities in Illinois dropped from 1,456 in 1999 to 1,418 in 2000. Alcohol-related crash fatalities dropped from 637 to 614.
White said that tougher drunk driving laws in Illinois such as .08 are helping reduce the number of deaths caused by alcohol-related crashes.
"We want Illinois to continue leading the fight against drunk driving," White said. "That's why I initiated tough new laws this year that target hard-core drunk drivers and repeat DUI offenders. We hope the steps we are taking will spare even more lives from drunk drivers."
The number of national fatal crashes was reported at 41,611 for 1999 and 41,821 for 2000. The total number of alcohol-related crashes rose from 15,786 in 1999 to 16,653 in 2000.
