Ill. agency launches traffic safety campaign

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois transportation officials are working to curb the number of roadway fatalities with the help of message boards.

Starting Monday, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider is launching a statewide digital message board campaign that will feature traffic safety messages.

Officials say the message boards will feature the daily traffic fatality count and safety slogans such as: “Don’t Drink and Drive,” “Don’t Text and Drive” and “Save a Life, Buckle Up.”

The state Department of Transportation reports that 479 fatalities have occurred on Illinois roadways as of July 5 this year. That’s compared with 418 in the same time last year.

Messaging boards are primarily reserved for Amber Alerts, lane closings and construction notifications. Officials say traffic safety campaign messaging will be posted during times when such emergency messages aren’t required.