SPRINGFIELD, Ill — As expected, drivers across Illinois can expect to see a heightened police presence over Labor Day weekend, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
IDOT, along with Illinois State Police (ISP), is reminding drivers to make a plan for a safe and sober ride home during Labor Day festivities.
Law enforcement will be stepping up efforts to keep impaired drivers off the roads.
“Driving impaired is a dangerous choice,” said Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Instead of playing Russian roulette with the wheel, we urge motorists partaking of impairing substances to make the responsible choice to find a sober ride home. Let’s work together to save lives.”
According to IDOT data, there were 938 fatal crashes in 2019. 258, or 27.5%, involved at least one driver who tested positive for alcohol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the presence of marijuana had nearly doubled in drivers killed in crashes in the U.S. between 2009 and 2018.
“With Labor Day assuming the role of the unofficial end to the summer travel season, we are expecting an increase in traffic volume on the roadways,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “That factor alone makes driving more dangerous.
“Driving impaired makes traveling on our roadways exponentially more treacherous. Impaired drivers put everyone at risk, including our first responders. Do your part to have a safe, fun and responsible holiday weekend by designating a driver.”
IDOT and ISP have passed along the following tips for the holiday weekend:
• If you have used an impairing substance, do not drive.
• If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
• If you are going to drink or use drugs, plan ahead for a sober ride. Options include your
community’s sober ride program, a cab, public transportation or a ridesharing app.
• If you know someone about to drive while impaired, take their keys and arrange to get
them home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
The enforcement campaign will run through Sept. 7.
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