Article 1 - Illinois Tollway Launches “If Only” Campaign to Reduce Speeding and Save Lives

New Campaign Encourages Safe Driving Choices 

Safety is always a top priority as the Illinois Tollway continuously explores ways to develop and promote better roadways. The 294 miles of Tollway roads are designed with safety in mind, with wider lanes and shoulders, the latest traffic management technologies and innovative ways to enhance safe driving on the system. Through programs like *999, Zero Weather Road Patrols, Give Them Distance, Drop It and Drive and Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, the Tollway maintains a laser-like focus on customer safety.

To educate drivers about safe driving, the Illinois Tollway recently launched “If Only” - a campaign to make drivers stop and think: if only I had made a safer choice, if only I had considered the lives at stake, if only I had slowed down, this tragedy could have been avoided. 

“If Only” features authentic and compelling perspectives of people who have been deeply impacted by speed-related crashes, as well as advertising, promotion of safe driving tips and outreach to stakeholders who can help amplify the Tollway’s message.    

“The campaign seeks to inspire drivers to reconsider their behaviors behind the wheel by focusing on the potential unintended consequences of speeding – not only for themselves but for those sharing the road with them,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “The lives of the Illinois Tollway’s customers, maintenance workers, H.E.L.P. truck drivers and construction contractors depend on it.” 

To learn more about the "If Only" campaign, learn about safe driving tips and access a digital toolkit, visit if-only-campaign - Illinois Tollway.

Article 2 - Changing Behavior: How the Illinois Tollway’s “If Only” Campaign Aims to Save Lives

New Campaign Highlights the Social Impact of Speeding Through Real Stories  

The Illinois Tollway has launched its "If Only" campaign to combat speed-related crashes and promote safer driving habits. The initiative underscores a simple but powerful message: speeding has consequences, so slow down and save lives. 

"Speeding and unsafe driving behaviors affect not just the driver but everyone around them - other drivers, passengers and first responders,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “We’re calling on everyone to be part of the solution."

Safe Driving Tips

• Be aware of your speed and adjust it accordingly: Know how fast you’re going. Consider the number of vehicles on the road, the speed of other vehicles and road conditions.
• Give space to speeding drivers: Speeding drivers may lose control of their vehicle more easily.
• Obey speed limits: Speeding is linked to aggressive driving. It’s also illegal and expensive if you get a ticket.
• Pay attention to other drivers: If a speeding driver is tailgating you, use judgment to safely steer away.
• Leave extra time to travel: You never know how traffic hazards like crashes or weather conditions may impact your trip.

The “If Only” campaign is intended to evoke a sense of reflection, regret and personal responsibility through authentic and compelling perspectives of people who have been deeply impacted by speed-related crashes. The new campaign seeks to inspire drivers to reconsider their behaviors behind the wheel by focusing on the potential unintended consequences of speeding – not only for themselves but for those sharing the road with them. 

For more details on the "If Only" campaign and how to get involved, visit if-only-campaign - Illinois Tollway.

Sample Message - Facebook

• Speeding has consequences. Every decision behind the wheel matters. The Illinois Tollway’s “If Only” campaign is a reminder that one moment of speeding can change everything... 
• “If only the driver had slowed down, I wouldn’t be fighting against time to save a life.” 
• “If only speed wasn’t the cause, I wouldn’t have to deliver such devastating news to families.” 
• “If only I had slowed down, this tragedy could have been avoided.” 
• Let’s work together to make our roads safer. Slow down and save lives. Learn more: if-only-campaign - Illinois Tollway. #IfOnly #SlowDown #RoadSafety #IllinoisTollway

Sample Message - Instagram

• Speeding has consequences. Every decision behind the wheel matters. The Illinois Tollway’s “If Only” campaign is a reminder that one moment of speeding can change everything. 
• “If only the driver had slowed down, I wouldn’t be fighting against time to save a life.” 
• “If only speed wasn’t the cause, I wouldn’t have to deliver such devastating news to families.” 
• “If only I had slowed down, this tragedy could have been avoided.” 
• Let’s work together to make our roads safer. Slow down and save lives. #IfOnly #SlowDown #IllinoisTollway

Sample Message - X (Twitter)

Every choice behind the wheel matters. The Illinois Tollway’s “If Only” campaign reminds drivers to think twice before speeding. Don’t let regret be your lesson—slow down and save lives. 

Learn more: if-only-campaign - Illinois Tollway. #IfOnly #SlowDown #IllinoisTollway

Sample Message - LinkedIn

Speeding is more than a bad habit—it’s a choice that can have life-changing consequences. TheIllinois Tollway’s “If Only” campaign urges drivers to slow down and think about the impact their decisions have on others. Don’t leave yourself wondering “If Only...” Slow down and save lives. Let’s work together to prevent unnecessary tragedies on our roads. 

Learn more: if-only-campaign - Illinois Tollway. #IfOnly #SlowDown #RoadSafety #IllinoisTollway