Illinois traffic deaths are up compared to this time last year. The state's Department of Transportation reports 479 people have died on Illinois roadways between January 1st and July 5th. That's 61 more deaths than the same time period in 2011. Officials say distracted driving is one of the main reasons for the high death count. They're urging people to put away their cell phones when they're behind the wheel, slow down in construction zones, buckle their seatbelts, and pay closer attention to the road.
