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Tuesday, January 6, 2015
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Crash data released Illinois fatals remain under 1,000 By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
According to recent crash data released by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the number of vehicle fatalities recorded has remained under 1,000 in the last five years. The data released by IDOT showed in 2009, 911 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes. This was the first year since 1921 that Illinois motor vehicle fatalities were below 1,000, and the second-lowest fatalities since 1922 when the total was 1.003 fatalities reported. Throughout the years, law enforcement has cracked down on drivers and are now providing more roadside safety checks, seat belt enforcement zones and other patrols to remind motorists to “Drive Sober or get Pulled Over” and “Click it or Ticket it.” Just at the end of 2014, hundreds of additional law enforcement hours, funded through IDOT, provided extra patrol through the holiday season — from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day — which can be the most dangerous times on Illinois roads. Comparing state and local data, the number of motor vehicle fatalities in Bureau County does not show a trending decline throughout the years, however, the number of fatalities relat-
To avoid an accident: • Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out, and give that person your keys. • If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely. • Promptly report to law enforcement drunk drivers you see on the roadways. • Wear your seat belt, and make sure all passengers are safely buckled up. It is your best defense against a drunk driver. ed to vehicle crashes has remained under seven within the last four years. Master Sgt. Anthony Kestner, operations commander of the Illinois State Police, District 17, reported in 2010, there were six fatalities; in 2011, there were three vehicle fatalities; in 2012, there were seven fatalities; in 2013, there were six fatalities; and in 2014, there were three fatalities recorded (these numbers are not yet official). Kestner said compared to LaSalle County, Bureau County has had fewer vehicle fatalities recorded throughout the years, however, it’s related to the greater population and more highways in LaSalle County. Kestner said state police are working hard to lower the number of fatalities related to vehicle accidents, as recording just one in a year is too many, he said.
BCR photo/Goldie Currie
Snow finally comes to Bureau County The first snow of the year created prefect sledding conditions on Sunday afternoon. Pictured is Payton Brandt, 4, of Princeton as she gets a little help from dad, Jesse, before taking off down the hill. See more winter fun photos on Page 2.
Red Cross hosts 100th anniversary drive
‘Help save up to three lives’ By Zita Henneberry zhenneberry@bcrnews.com
The American Red Cross will be hosting its 100th anniversary blood drive Wednesday, Jan. 21 in Chicago. “Each blood donation has the potential to help save up to three lives,” Year 169 No. 3 One Section - 16 Pages
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said American Red Cross communications manager Dan Fox. A more local drive will be held Thursday at the Methodist Church in Princeton, said Bureau County Red Cross Director Lori Compton. “Everybody’s blood is needed,” said Compton. She encouraged possible donors to make appointments or walk in to donate. “Throughout 2015, the American Red Cross is
commemorating a century of helping make Chicago safer and more prepared in the face of emergencies,” said the Red Cross web page. “Usually donations are slower through the winter months and that just has to do with the weather,” said Compton. Therefore, the 100th anniversary event comes at an important time of
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‘Resolve to be Ready’ in 2015 Focus on a new safety topic each month By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — During this time in the new year, many are working hard to keep up with personal resolutions set on Jan. 1. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies throughout Illinois,
including Bureau County EMA, are encouraging many to take advantage of the new start to the year and “Resolve to be Ready.” IEMA Director Jonathon Monken announced IEMA plans to focus on a different preparedness or safety topic each month in 2015, including earthquakes, severe weather, pets, school and campus,
cyber security and more. “We’re going to provide continuing support throughout the year by offering information and tips to help people stick to their resolution,” he said. “I encourage everyone to join us and ‘Resolve to be Ready’ in 2015.” In Bureau County, EMA Director Keenan Campbell encourages residents to visit www.readybureau. com and check out the provided guides under the get prepared menu to
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