Data shows a sharp increase tracked in fatal Illinois road incidents. The numbers come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has compiled nationwide and state-by-state death totals covering the first quarter of calendar year 2022. 280 persons were killed on Illinois roads, reflecting a 24% increase from the three-month 2021 period.
Traffic experts say that not only has driving increased since the depths of the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic, but also after the pandemic, many Americans are driving less safely. Driving under the influence (DUI), distracted driving (typically, distracted by a cell phone), and speeding are blamed as factors in the statistical trend. Motor vehicle insurance adjusters say that there has been a surge of distracted driving since the pandemic. Driving while distracted is a moving violation in Illinois. The fine schedule for the offense starts at $75.00 plus court costs, with additions for second or subsequent offenses or factors in aggravation.