A dangerous stretch of Interstate 74 in Illinois – the site of a recent collision that killed two teenagers from Tremont – is due to receive a much-needed $2.9 million upgrade for maintenance and safety improvements. For years, the section of highway has taken many lives in cross-over crashes, making it the source of much debate about premises liability.
State representatives are crediting the families of the two deceased teenagers for prompting a response from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Over 3,000 postcards and a petition with close to 12,000 signatures were sent to state officials, asking for the highway’s dangerous condition to be addressed.
Cross-over crashes are common on this stretch of the I-74, between County Highway 39 and the Carlock interchange. A state representative who previously served as the County Coroner said he has been called to the location many times. IDOT will install six miles of cable barrier in order to prevent future cross-over crashes. The work is due to be completed by 2012.
When a road’s unsafe condition causes a pattern of fatal accidents, the parties responsible for the premises can be held liable for failing to address the inherent danger. Lives should not be lost because of a simple lack of preventative maintenance.
If you or a loved one has been injured in Illinois due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced premises liability attorneys at Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, PC today to schedule your free consultation.
