Road Safety

As a road user, we want to hear from you. We can pore over the data, but that will only tell us part of the story. What do you see? What concerns do you have?

Please take this short survey to help us understand what is important to you.

The Safety Task Force

Making sure that Lake County roads, bridges and bike paths are safe for the traveling public is the top priority of the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), local government agencies and police departments. Together we have formed a multi-jurisdictional Safety Task Force to look for opportunities to enhance safety for Lake County residents.

The Safety Task Force consists of local officials, engineers, law enforcement officials, and advocacy groups who can look at high crash areas, and driver behavior, from different professional standpoints.

The engineers can look at a location and determine if there are signage, lighting, or other changes that can be implemented to make it safer, while police officers can look at the same location and determine if there are traffic safety enforcement strategies that can be implemented to address the issue.

Public education and outreach is another key factor in this effort to keep safety in the minds of all road users.

Puzzle Piece

The final piece in the safety puzzle is... YOU.

As a road user, whether you are in a vehicle, on a bike, or walking or running along the sidewalk or bike path, there are decisions you make and actions you take that have an impact on the safety of everyone around you.

Representatives from the Safety Task Force are willing to come and speak to your friends, coworkers, schools, and groups.

Anatomy of a Safe Driver

It may seem obvious, but time and time again we see traffic crashes that would have been prevented if drivers were paying attention. Laws in Illinois indicate that drivers are prohibited from using electronic devices while driving, and that drivers must obey speed limits. Yet we still see people who do not obey these laws, and risk their own safety and the safety of those around them. Driving safely requires your attention from head to toe. You have the power to make roads safer.

Anatomy of a Safe Driver

Drive Safe

  • Eliminate distractions while driving, such as putting away your phone and keeping your eyes on the road.
No Distractions
  • Keep your eyes peeled for pedestrians and bicyclists; safety is a two-way street!
  • Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and give them plenty of room to cross the street.
  • Obey the speed limit, especially in areas with bicyclists and high foot traffic.
  • Cross the streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible; Designated crossing sections are where drivers are expecting you to cross.
Crossing Streets
  • Walk on sidewalks and obey the signs and signals of the roads.
  • Even though you aren’t in a car, keep your eyes and ears on the streets. Safety is your responsibility too.
  • Be visible to the drivers as much as possible by wearing bright and reflective clothing.

Don't compete. Share the street.

  • 16% of all traffic fatalities are pedestrian and bicyclist related.
Pedestrian
  • 65,000 pedestrians are injured in roadway crashes annually.
  • 45 non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries in Lake County in 2015.