 | 07/02/2008 Governor Blagojevich urges drivers to pledge to slow down during summer travel, in return for safety and fuel efficiency
Illinois Tollway and AAA Chicago kick off “Be Safe. Be Wise. Save Gas. Save Lives” campaign
Pledging drivers qualify for $50 gas cards, July 4th through Labor Day
DOWNERS GROVE – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today called on drivers to take the Illinois Tollway and AAA Chicago “Be Safe. Be Wise.” pledge to slow down to save gas and save lives this summer travel season. The transportation groups are teaming up to promote the safety and fuel efficiency benefits of traveling at the posted speed limit in construction work zones, and on roadways in general.
“While drivers can’t do much to affect the price they pay at the pump, they can take steps to optimize fuel efficiency by slowing down on the road and traveling at the posted speed limit,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “More importantly, reducing speed brings added benefit of enhanced roadway safety. A significant number of accidents on Illinois’ highways are directly related to speeding and driving too fast for conditions, whether construction work zones are in place or not. We want drivers in Illinois to slow down when traveling this summer to ensure that they and their passengers get to their vacations, family outings and other activities safely.”
Smart drivers are realizing that work zones provide an opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and save money, by simply following the posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour. Even a 5 mile-per-hour decrease in speed can affect your gas mileage. As a general rule, every 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying 22 cents more per gallon of gas. The cost savings gained by slowing down can add up quickly.
More importantly, reducing speed gives drivers greater control of their vehicles, especially in construction work zones. While the same number of lanes may remain available during construction, the roadway is often changed in the process – lanes are narrowed, shoulder widths are reduced, pavement can be uneven, and construction equipment may be entering and exiting the roadway. All of these factors require drivers to slow down and pay greater attention, to ensure safety for themselves and the workers nearby.
In Illinois, 85 percent of work zone crashes cause injury or death to motorists, not construction workers. Construction zone speed limits on the Illinois Tollway and IDOT’s roads are in place for the safety of both motorists and workers, and are in effect 24/7, regardless if workers are present.
“Safety for drivers and workers is the primary reason we limit speeds in construction zones and pursue those who drive recklessly,” said John Mitola, Chairman of the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors. “But, how fast you’re driving can also have a direct impact on how hard you’re hit at the gas pump. Not only does driving at posted speed limits save money through greater fuel efficiency, but also prevents you from being ticketed or getting into an accident that can cost even more.”
NBC5 is joining the effort by partnering with AAA Chicago to reward drivers who take the “Be Safe. Be Wise.” pledge with free $50 gas cards throughout the summer travel season from July 4th through Labor Day (September 1) as part of the “Be Safe. Be Wise. Save Gas. Save Lives” campaign.
Beginning today, drivers who go to NBC5’s Web site www.nbc5.com to take the “Be Safe. Be Wise.” pledge will be automatically linked to AAA’s Web site to sign up for the chance to win a $50 gas card. AAA Chicago will select one driver a day to receive a gas card, between July 4th and Labor Day, September 1.
“As we head into the summer travel season with unprecedented high gas prices, motorists can ease the effects and make their dollar go further by slowing down,” said Brad Roeber, president of AAA Chicago. “This simple step will translate into savings for both commuters and summer travelers, and will keep our roads safer for all drivers.”
AAA Chicago also recommends that drivers pay closer attention to vehicle maintenance, for additional efficiency benefits. Keeping tires properly inflated can cut fuel economy by a half-percent per pound of pressure, below recommended levels. In addition, a full tune-up as recommended by the manufacturer, including a regular oil and oil filter change, can increase fuel consumption by up to 50 percent or more.
About AAA Chicago
AAA Chicago has represented roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues for more than a century. For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago’s breadth of service including AAA’s home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at www.AAA.com or call us toll-free at 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).
About the Tollway
The Illinois Tollway maintains and operates 286 miles of interstate tollways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-94, I-294, I-80/I-294). In 2005 the Tollway kicked off its Congestion-Relief Program, Open Roads for a Faster Future, which will reduce travel times by rebuilding/restoring nearly all of the system, adding lanes to many miles of existing roads, converting 20 mainline toll plazas to barrier-free Open Road Tolling, and extending I-355 south to I-80 in Will County.
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