Police Focus on Most Dangerous Intersections

are continuing efforts to raise drivers’ awareness and crack down on traffic violators at the village’s top five crash intersections.

Just three months into 2012, police have issued 267 citations relating to incidents at those five intersections.

They include:

• Buffalo Grove and short Aptakisic (just south of )
• Lake-Cook and Arlington Heights
• Arlington Heights and McHenry
• Lake-Cook and Buffalo Grove
• Arlington Heights and Dundee

In 2011, there were a total of 58 crashes at those five intersections. Of those accidents, 27 resulted in injuries, Sgt. Mike Rodriguez said during a presentation this week to the Village Board.

During the first quarter of 2012, 29 accidents were reported at those locations, he said.

As part of the police department's efforts to raise awareness, digital message boards will be positioned at the intersections throughout the year, he said, alerting drivers that they are in a high-crash zone.

Officers on motorcycle will keep eyes out for traffic signal and median violators, and drones — — will again be parked near the intersections. Drones were used frequently last year at Lake-Cook and Buffalo Grove roads, and police believe the presence of a marked car helped reduce the accident rate at that site, Rodriguez said. Officers will also raise awareness and enfore safety through the Click it or Ticket program.

“We feel that high visibility as well as a covert approach helps,” Rodriguez said.