Fatal Crashes Set to Plunge Nearly 50% in La Salle County

UPDATE: La Salle County is witnessing a remarkable drop in fatal car crashes, with numbers projected to fall by nearly 50% by the end of 2025. This trend comes as a relief to officials who have been grappling with auto fatalities for years.

As of now, La Salle County has recorded only 7 fatal crashes this year, a significant decline from 19 in 2024. Even with a projected 4 additional fatalities, this represents a staggering 42% decrease year-over-year. La Salle County Coroner Rich Ploch expressed hope this will be the last fatal crash he has to handle.

The drop in fatalities is attributed to several factors, including fewer accidents in construction zones and a significant decline in impaired driving incidents. Ploch noted that while alcohol-related crashes have decreased, new challenges have emerged, such as the rise of drug-impaired driving. “Alcohol was a contributing factor in just one of our crashes this year,” he stated.

La Salle County has seen a broader trend over the last few decades, with overall auto fatalities gradually declining. The county experienced an average of 25 fatalities per year until 2008, when a noticeable reduction began.

Authorities point to four key trends contributing to safer roads:

1. Safer Cars: Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, including collision alerts and lane-keeping assistance. Data from the Peru Police Department shows reported accidents have decreased by nearly 25% since 2010, with 601 crashes recorded last year, down from 776 in 2010.

2. Increased Police Presence: Law enforcement agencies are bolstering their ranks, with La Salle County Sheriff Adam Diss announcing the addition of six new deputies by year’s end. Enhanced patrols and enforcement campaigns are believed to encourage safer driving behaviors. A recent campaign targeting distracted driving resulted in 84 tickets for cellphone use alone.

3. Reduced Impairment: The number of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests in La Salle County has plummeted, with fewer than 400 drunk drivers apprehended each year since 2021. This decline correlates directly with fewer fatal accidents, as noted by former La Salle County Coroner Jody Bernard.

4. Changing Social Habits: The pandemic has shifted how people engage with each other, leading to less driving. Young people, in particular, are less eager to obtain their driver’s licenses, opting for virtual interactions instead. Jim Cherveny, division chairman for driver education, noted that the nine-month wait for licenses has further deterred new drivers.

As 2025 progresses, La Salle County residents are hopeful that these trends will continue to enhance road safety. Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant, especially with the rise of distractions like mobile devices.

For now, the community celebrates the promising decline in fatalities, hoping it signifies a new era of safer roadways. As police and public safety officials continue their efforts, the importance of responsible driving cannot be overstated. Keep an eye on the updates as this situation unfolds and impacts the lives of countless individuals in La Salle County.