The Naperville Police Department responded to more than 3,200 crashes in 2024. Nearly 500 of those involved injuries and eight resulted in fatalities. Our data shows the top three primary causes of these traffic crashes were failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, failure to yield to the right-of-way, and improper lane usage.
Failure to Reduce Speed
Rear-end collisions often lead to a citation for “failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash” even if you are not speeding. It is not about exceeding the speed limit but rather failing to adjust your speed appropriately for the surrounding traffic and road conditions. A driver is expected to slow down or stop to avoid a collision, even if you are below the posted speed limit. The law requires drivers to maintain a speed that is “reasonable and proper” considering traffic conditions and the potential for danger.
Failure to Yield
There are many circumstances when a vehicle must yield the right-of-way. A common crash scenario often includes a vehicle making a left turn. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left within an intersection or entering a roadway shall yield the right of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close to constitute an immediate hazard. Having yielded, the driver may proceed at such a safe interval occurs. The best way to avoid this collision is to use controlled intersections (i.e., traffic signal) with a left arrow when possible. Another tip is to consider avoiding a left turn by going to the next intersection and making three right turns.
While reminding drivers to yield the right-of-way, let’s not forget Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over Law.” Scott’s Law requires motorists to move over, if possible, or slow down and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary police or emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals.
Improper Lane Usage
The last most prevalent cause of traffic crashes we saw in 2024 involves improper lane usage. Improper lane use can include actions like lane departure, crossing multiple lanes, or failing to maintain proper lane position. Illinois law requires that a vehicle is driven (as nearly as practicable) entirely within a single lane when a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes. In addition, the driver must not move from their lane of travel until they have first ascertained that they can do so safely.
Until next month… Stay Aware and Stay Safe.
For more information about this month’s Safer Naper topic of sharing the road safely including additional tips for pedestrians, runners and cyclists, visit www.naperville.il.us/asafernaper.
