Zero tolerance for impaired drivers during Independence Day travel
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement throughout the state are reminding the public: Whether you’re drinking alcohol, using cannabis or under the influence of other drugs, if you get behind the wheel, you’ll face the consequences. During the Fourth of July “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, zero tolerance will be shown for those driving impaired.
“Driving impaired is not a game – it’s a decision with potentially deadly consequences,” said 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 data, last year in Illinois during the Independence Day holiday from 6 p.m. July 3 to 11:59 p.m. July 6, there were 17 fatal crashes resulting in 18 fatalities, an average of more than five people killed each day. Four of the 17 fatal crashes involved drivers who had been drinking, resulting in four of the 18 fatalities.
In addition to removing impaired drivers from the roads, police will strongly enforce seat belt, speeding and other traffic laws through July 6. Wearing a seat belt is the law in Illinois and your best defense against impaired drivers. Always buckle up and make sure your passengers do, too.
“If you’re driving to watch fireworks, attend a picnic or celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation some other way, remember to drive safely,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Christopher Owen. “Wear your seat belt, watch your speed, and don’t drive distracted or impaired.”
Remember these important safety tips:
- If you’re planning to use drugs or alcohol, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home – or call a taxi, rideshare service or, if available, your community’s sober ride program.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
- Remind your friends to never get in a vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive impaired, take their keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone – you might be saving their life or someone else’s.
The Independence Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is funded with federal highway safety tax dollars administered by IDOT and runs through the early morning hours of July 6. The effort is administered by IDOT with federal funds and coincides with the comprehensive multimedia campaign “It's Not a Game.”
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Paul Wappel
Maria Castaneda
Melaney Arnold
