Zero tolerance for impaired drivers throughout Independence Day journey

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and native regulation enforcement all through the state are reminding the general public: Whether you’re ingesting alcohol, utilizing hashish or below the affect of different medication, if you happen to get behind the wheel, you’ll face the results. During the Fourth of July “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” marketing campaign, zero tolerance will probably be proven for these driving impaired.

“Driving impaired is not a game – it’s a decision with potentially deadly consequences,” mentioned Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Plan ahead. If you’re drinking alcohol, using cannabis or any other drug, don’t drive. Designate a sober driver, call a ride service or stay put.”

According to provisional IDOT information, final yr in Illinois through the Independence Day vacation from 6 p.m. July 3 to 11:59 p.m. July 6, there have been 17 deadly crashes leading to 18 fatalities, a mean of greater than 5 folks killed every day. Four of the 17 deadly crashes concerned drivers who had been ingesting, leading to 4 of the 18 fatalities.

In addition to eradicating impaired drivers from the roads, police will strongly implement seat belt, dashing and different site visitors legal guidelines by way of July 6. Wearing a seat belt is the regulation in Illinois and your greatest protection towards impaired drivers. Always buckle up and ensure your passengers do, too.

“If you’re driving to watch fireworks, attend a picnic or celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the birth of our nation some other way, remember to drive safely,” mentioned ISP Division of Patrol Col. Christopher Owen. “Wear your seat belt, watch your speed, and don’t drive distracted or impaired.”

Remember these essential security ideas:

The Independence Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” marketing campaign is funded with federal freeway security tax {dollars} administered by IDOT and runs by way of the early morning hours of July 6. The effort is run by IDOT with federal funds and coincides with the excellent multimedia marketing campaign “It’s Not a Game.”

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