In 2010, there were 923 fatalities. In 2009, there were 911 deaths.
Transportation officials credit traffic safety initiatives, such as Operation Teen Safe Driving, motorcycle safety, impaired driving and work zone safety, for improving safety on Illinois roadways. The state also said that nearly 93 percent of motorists wear their seatbelts.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police said it's the first time since 1921 that traffic fatalities were below 1,000 for two years in a row.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.