Illinois Tollway urges safe, distraction-free driving during Easter weekend travel

The Illinois Tollway announced on April 1 that more than 8.8 million vehicles are expected to use its system during the extended Easter holiday weekend and is urging drivers to avoid distractions while traveling.

This reminder comes as April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, with officials highlighting the importance of keeping attention on the road to prevent accidents and ensure safety for all travelers.

"The Illinois Tollway is asking everyone to focus on safe driving and avoid distractions over the Easter Holiday weekend – Drive First. Everything else can wait," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. "April is also Distracted Driving Awareness Month, so we urge drivers not only to put away cellphones when traveling, but to also stop other risky actions that can take their eyes off the road, including texting, adjusting the radio, applying makeup or eating."

Travel volume is expected to peak on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3 with more than 1.9 million vehicles projected each day—higher than a typical daily average of about 1.7 million vehicles. To ease congestion, most temporary maintenance and construction lane closures will be suspended from noon Friday through Monday morning; however, some work zones will remain active along sections of I-294 and at key interchanges.

Drivers are reminded that construction zone speed limits remain in effect at all times in these areas and should exercise caution due to shifting traffic patterns. Assistance for stranded motorists is available by calling *999 for help from maintenance crews or Highway Emergency Lane Patrol teams.

The agency also reminds motorists about Illinois' Move Over Law requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights; fines start at $250 for first-time violations.

For those hosting out-of-state visitors or using rental cars over the holiday period, additional vehicles can be added temporarily to I-PASS accounts using the Official Illinois Tollway App.

The Illinois Tollway operates a user-fee system maintaining nearly 300 miles of roadway across Northern Illinois without state or federal funding.