Advocates has written to the House Executive Committee in the Illinois House of Representatives in support of House Bill (HB) 4281. This legislation would enable municipal use of speed safety cameras in safety zones in all municipalities with a population of 25,000 or greater in Cook County. We urge you to take swift action to expand use of this proven, lifesaving technology to curb speeding and the deadly consequences.
Speed is a major contributor to crashes in Illinois. In 2023, of the 1,241 traffic fatalities in the state, 35 percent were speeding related which exceeds the national average of 29 percent. Speeding related fatalities in Illinois increased 25 percent from 2014 to 2023. During the same period fatalities among vulnerable road users (VRUs) increased as well with a 62 percent rise in pedestrian fatalities and a 52 percent uptick in bicyclist and other cyclists fatalities.
Law enforcement risk their lives when performing their duties every day. Yet, it is implausible for law enforcement officers to be everywhere and catch every violation. Speed safety cameras augment traditional enforcement without requiring a traffic stop and will improve safety in safety corridors.
Read the full letter here.