Findings
In 2004 the Department recorded a total of 483 crashes, which represents a 22% decrease from the prior year. While no single factor accounted for this reduction, the Department's significant increase in 2004 traffic enforcement no doubt played a crucial role.
Time and day data was consistent with historical trends. As would be expected, peak travel times (morning and evening rush hours) showed the highest number of crashes. No recommendation.
As in past years, monthly data shows increased crashes during the winter months. Watch commanders should continue to immediately request salting and/or plowing services when weather conditions warrant.
With exception to the intersection of Routes 62 and 59, which will be discussed below, no discernible location/causation trends were evident. The overwhelming majority of examined crashes were the result of driver error or animals entering the roadway.
In early 2004 the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reconfigured the traffic signals at the intersection of Routes 59 and 62 to include dedicated left turn signals for traffic turning left from Route 59 onto Route 62. This reconfiguration was due to prior year's crash analysis, indicating a disproportionate number of left turn crashes, which the Department submitted to IDOT. In 2004, no failure to yield turning left type crashes were experienced at this intersection. However, as has been previously documented, the intersection continues to realize a disproportionate number of rear end crashes by drivers attempting to turn right on red. Of the 48 crashes at this intersection, 38 of 48 were of this type. These crashes are detailed in the below aerial photo of the intersection. It is advisable that this information be furnished to IDOT with the recommendation to post the intersection no right turn on red.
Intersection of Route 59 and Route 62
