Illinois Department of Transportation Summer 2009 Traffic ... - Caution

COMMUNITY OUTREACHThe statewide 2009 Staying Alive Conferencewas held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield,Illinois, April 14 -16. Three days were dedicated toreducing the tragic toll of deaths and injuries on ourstate roadways. Nearly 400 people from aroundthe state and the nation were in attendance.A wide range of traffic safety topics wereaddressed, from child passenger safety andoccupant protection to new media campaignsand grants. The latest information on trafficsafety advances and successful programs werehighlighted and emerging traffic safety issues andsolutions were examined.It was a high energy, exciting event filled withlearning opportunities. Speakers includedrepresentatives from the Ford Motor CompanyFund, The Allstate Foundation along with radiopersonalities, law enforcement officials, judges,educators and other individuals who shared theirtraffic safety-related experiences.The conference opened on a high note as theRochester High School marching band burstthrough the back doors of the hall while playingthe song, “Staying Alive.” It ended on an equallypowerful, but opposite note as family members toldstories of loved ones lost due to fatal crashes.The cooperation of dedicated individuals andgroups working together to achieve the commongoal of improving traffic safety made the “StayingAlive Conference” a resounding success. Theconference made an impact that will not soonbe forgotten and set a gold standard for futureconferences.By Kristen Chiaro, Editor-in-Chief30 CAUTION!-Summer 2009