CENTRAL ILLINOIS CITY OF PEKIN RANKS HIGH ON LIST OF DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS
There were nearly 1,200 accidents in the central Illinois city of Pekin in 2008. This represents an 8.7% increase over the five year average of 1,075 and a 6.8% increase over the total accidents in 2007.
In response to these statistics, Pekin, a suburb of Peoria, recently ranked the most dangerous intersections in the town, concluding that the intersection of Ann Eliza and Fifth Streets was the most dangerous in 2008, with 20 accidents. One block away, the intersection of Margaret and Fifth Streets is the fourth most dangerous intersection with 13 accidents in 2008. Neither intersection was the location of any fatal wrecks, thankfully.
Police blame peoples' failure to stop for red lights at the Ann Eliza and Fifth intersection for the high number of accidents. As a result, police plan to step up enforcement action for violaters of both speed and red lights. The department is instituting a new system of patrols to enforce the rules of the raod and combat general crime in noted problem areas. Officers in the Pekin Police Department were traditionally assigned to patrol general districts of the city, but now officers are closely monitoring a specific block or range of blocks within the district. Additionally, an extra squad car will be sent to help monitor repeated problem areas.
The police department hopes that their proactive efforts will help reduce the number of accidents in the future. The onus is also on the drivers to drive more safely and be aware of their surroundings.
