Southern Illinois roadways experience high number of fatalities
This year alone, the roadways in Southern Illinois have seen more than 50 fatalities. In the past two months, 16 people have been killed. According to Illinois State Police, the most dangerous roads are I57 in Jefferson, Franklin and Williamson counties, Route 127 in Perry and Washington counties, US 51 in Perry and Jackson counties, Route 37 in Jefferson County and Route 13.
Ninety percent of all the accidents that resulted in fatalities occurred on two lane roads. Alcohol was a factor in one-fourth of the 50 fatal accidents, which also happened to occur on a Friday.
Rhonda Heatherly has experienced first hand what happens on these roads. Donna Davis, Heatherly's mother was 46 years old when a drunk driver struck and killed her just south of Desoto, along route 51. Julie Comte was legally drunk and caused the accident. She is serving seven years in prison for the accident.
Accidents that took Davis' life happen every day. Less than two months ago, three people were killed along that same stretch of I-57 that Davis was on. An accident that occurred in Jackson County earlier this week, took the life of Kirsty Phoenix, 17.
Davis was wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, more than half those killed in the road this year were not. Illinois State Police remind drivers to play it safe during the holiday travel season when inclimate weather can make these roads especially dangerous
