Illinois residents asked for feedback regarding state’s transportation system

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available today through Dec. 31.

“Illinois is the transportation hub of North America, a role we take very seriously,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “We deeply value the public’s feedback to help IDOT stay aware of every potential opportunity for improving how we maintain and grow Illinois’ transportation system.”

The annual survey, conducted through the University of Illinois Springfield’s Survey Research Office, seeks input on topics ranging from road conditions and ice-and-snow removal to commuting habits and driving behaviors. Questions also address IDOT’s website, the state’s rest-area system and Amtrak service.

In an effort to expand the feedback it receives from the public, IDOT for the first time is making the survey available online. To take the survey visit idot.illinois.gov.

 

 

‘Give Them Distance’ promotes Move Over law awareness, compliance

 

SCHILLER PARK— Gov. Bruce Rauner is teaming up with Illinois safety leaders to drive home the importance of the state’s Move Over law.

To launch the new “Give Them Distance” campaign, the governor gathered today with leaders from the Illinois Tollway, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, AAA, the Mid-West Truckers Association and Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. The campaign launch took place at the O’Hare Oasis in Schiller Park.

“Awareness of this common-sense law is so important to our first-responders — and to anyone who has to pull off the side of the road to fix a flat or deal with engine trouble,” Rauner said. “Too many lives are being lost on our roadways. We want to make sure drivers know to slow down and move over for vehicles with flashing lights.”

The state’s Move Over Law, also known as Scott’s Law, was first enacted in 2002 after Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver on the Dan Ryan Expressway while assisting at a crash scene in December 2000. It requires motorists approaching stopped emergency vehicles with lights flashing to slow down and move over, changing lanes if possible to make extra room.

While most Illinois motorists are aware of the law as it pertains to emergency vehicles, many might not know that it was expanded in January 2017 to include any vehicle with hazard lights flashing.

Drivers who fail to comply face serious penalties, including a fine of up to $10,000, two-year suspension of driving privileges and possible jail time.

“Making the roads of Illinois the safest ever is one of my top priorities, and the Move Over law helps us to do that,” said Secretary of State Jesse White. “Every day, emergency personnel are working to serve and protect us. We need to do our part to help keep them safe by yielding the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles and taking precautionary measures for disabled vehicles.

“We don’t want drivers to be involved in crashes because they weren’t paying attention to emergency responders.”

“Within the last five years, two Illinois State Police troopers were killed in the line of duty and several others injured when motorists failed to move over for emergency vehicles,” said ISP Director Leo Schmitz. “These tragedies and countless others across the nation could have been prevented if drivers remained alert and simply followed the laws designed to keep them and other motorists safe.”

“The Move Over law reinforces basic, common-sense rules you should always practice when encountering any vehicle on the side of the road anywhere,” agreed Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Slow down, proceed with caution and change lanes if you can.”

Illinois Tollway Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom said he hopes motorists take heed.

“We’re calling on other leaders, communities and drivers throughout Illinois to join us and spread the word,” he said.

Illinois was home to 1,073 traffic fatalities in 2016, the first time the state topped 1,000 since 2008, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The number of fatalities stood at 1,015 through Tuesday, Dec. 5, of this year, according to provisional IDOT data.

Drivers are encouraged to visit www.GiveThemDistance.com for more information on this safe-driving initiative.

Harvest emergency provisions speed crop transport after weather delays hinder planting, harvest

CHICAGO — Gov. Bruce Rauner yesterday  addressed the importance of agriculture to Illinois’ economy before an audience of hundreds of Illinois farmers and agribusiness leaders gathered at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago.

He arrived mid-morning at the general delegate session of the Illinois Farm Bureau’s four-day annual meeting, which concludes Tuesday, Dec. 5. The governor commended the bureau’s work on nutrient loss strategy, congratulated members on the organization’s recent centennial and talked about a task force formed to address a shortage in agriculture education, among other topics.

“Thanks for advocating for our farm families. Farm families are what America is all about – faith, family, hard work, love of God, love of country, giving back to the community,” Rauner said. “I’m all for you. Your success is Illinois’ success.”

Illinois is home to 72,200 farms on 27 million acres. Marketing of Illinois’ agricultural commodities generates more than $19 billion annually, with corn accounting for 54 percent of that total. Illinois’ food and fiber industry employs nearly 1 million people. The state ranks third nationally in the export of agricultural commodities, with $8.2 billion worth of goods shipped to other countries, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

The governor said he was honored to assist Illinois’ agriculture community by signing a harvest emergency Nov. 5 for the first time in state history. Under a new law Rauner signed Aug. 11, the declaration permits drivers of trucks carrying agricultural commodities over state highways to obtain a free permit to exceed gross vehicle weight limits by 10 percent. More than 1,500 permits have been issued since the declaration.
The emergency provision is in effect through mid-December and was enacted to help speed crop transport after weather-related delays affected planting and harvest during the 2017 season.

Rauner also told the gathering he is committed to renovating and reopening the State Fair’s Coliseum. The popular, historic structure first opened in 1901 and was the location of horse shows and other livestock competitions.

He also talked about job creation, in agriculture and in all sectors.
“You watch me,” Rauner said. “I will bring companies here on a massive scale once we’re freed up and we’re competitive in our regulations.”

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. thanked the governor for his remarks. “As our county farm bureau leaders develop the policies of our organization through our grassroots process, we appreciate the opportunity to hear from the leaders of our state,” he said.

Also attending the event Monday were bureau Vice President David Erickson, Director of State Legislation Kevin Semlow and Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Mark Gebhards.

The Illinois Farm Bureau, also known as the Illinois Agricultural Association, was formed in 1916. The nonprofit member organization fosters agricultural education and advocates for farm-friendly legislative policy.

State Rep. Jeanne Ives made it official. The Wheaton Republican is challenging Gov. Bruce Rauner in the GOP gubernatorial primary in March.

 

“In Illinois state government right now, you choose to be popular with the Illinois political ruling class and become an enemy of the Illinois taxpayers, or you choose to represent taxpaying Illinois families and make enemies of the political ruling class,” Ives said in a video released Monday morning. “I choose taxpaying Illinois families. Gov. Rauner chose the political ruling class.” said Ives.

Please click on the link below for the full story from Illinois News Radio Network.

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/rep-jeanne-ives-formally-announces-gop-primary-challenge-to-gov/article_75f6ae06-d926-11e7-a4d9-9bb650afaa1e.html