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Fatal Accident Memorial Sign Program
Overview
The Roadside Memorial Marker Rules is governed by 92 Ill. Adm. Code 549.
"The fatal accident memorial marker program is intended to raise public awareness of traffic fatalities caused by reckless driving or other means by emphasizing the dangers while affording families an opportunity to remember the victims of traffic crashes.”
The memorial consists of a 36” wide by 24” tall white on blue sign with either the legend RECKLESS DRIVING COSTS LIVES in the case of a conviction of reckless homicide, or DRIVE WITH CARE in other cases. Applicants may also request a 36” wide by 18” tall white on blue plaque with the legend IN MEMORY OF and the name of the deceased followed by the date of the crash.
How the Program Works
An immediate relative of a deceased victim of a crash caused by a driver who committed an act of reckless homicide or who otherwise caused the death of one or more persons through the operation of a motor vehicle may request a fatal accident memorial along a state highway by filling out an official application form and returning it to IDOT at the address indicated on the form. The crash must have occurred on or after January 1, 1990.
- Complete the Fatal Memorial Marker application (OPER 2719.pdf).
- IDOT will review the application and, if approved, will return a copy to the immediate relative along with instructions concerning payment of a one-time fee. Payment of the fee cannot be made until the application is approved. Currently, the fee is $150 for the RECKLESS DRIVING COSTS LIVES or DRIVE WITH CARE sign and $50 for the plaque with the name of the victim and the date of the crash.
- The memorial will normally be installed at or near the location of the crash. However, IDOT reserves the right to install it at an alternate location due to restricted room, property owner complaints, interference with essential traffic control devices, safety concerns, or other restrictions.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding the Fatal Accident Signing Program, please contact the coordinator by phone at (217) 785-8534 or by mail at:
Illinois Department of Transportation
Roadside Memorial Sign Coordinator
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 009
Springfield, IL 62704
