From Robb Tadelman, McHenry County Sheriff:

Statement from Sheriff Tadelman on Fatal Crashes in McHenry County 

In the span of about 12 hours, three fatal crashes have taken lives here in McHenry County.

Our hearts are with the families forever changed by these tragedies.

We’re urging every driver:

• slow down,
• stay alert, and
• make responsible decisions behind the wheel.

Your life, and the lives of others, depend on it.

As your Sheriff, I want you to know we are taking this seriously.

Our deputies are conducting directed traffic patrols, increasing visibility in high-risk areas, monitoring for speeding, distracted driving, and impaired operation, and working closely with our Major Traffic Crash Investigation Team to identify contributing factors.

We’re also collaborating with state and local partners to deploy additional resources where needed.

But safety is a shared responsibility – and we need everyone to do their part.

• Slow down – especially on less-traveled roads.
• Put the phone down – no distraction is worth a life.
• Buckle up – every time, every seat.
• Drive sober – plan ahead, no excuses.
• Stay alert – your full attention can save lives.

If you witness reckless or impaired driving, please report it.

Your call could save someone’s life.

Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts.

And please, drive carefully, drive responsibly, and do your part to prevent another tragedy.