All-out effort aims to keep drunk drivers off roads
<p class="p1">The Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT, the Illinois State Police, ISP, and 170 police and sheriff’s departments are involved in an all-out effort to keep drunk drivers off Illinois roads during the holiday season. </p><p class="p1">The end-of-year campaign comes as new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, statistics indicate that while Illinois drunk driving fatalities are not increasing, they are not declining, either.</p><p class="p1">“This most recent data clearly shows drunk driving is still very much a problem in Illinois and the nation,” said IDOT director of traffic safety Jared Thornley. </p><p class="p1">“This holiday season, don’t put yourself or others at risk because, chances are, you’ll be caught.”</p><p class="p1">In 2011, NHTSA estimates there were 278 drunk driving fatalities (motor vehicle deaths involving at least one driver with a BAC of.08 or higher) in Illinois. </p><p class="p1">But in 2012 and 2013, the number increased to 322, a 15 percent increase from 2011. </p><p class="p1">There was a slight decrease in 2014, with 317 drunk driving fatalities in Illinois in 2014, according to NHTSA estimates. </p><p class="p1">As recently as 2007, there were 439 drunk driving fatalities in Illinois.</p><p class="p1">Nationally, drunk driving fatalities decreased just 1 percent, from 10,076 in 2013 to 9,967 in 2014. </p><p class="p1">The statistics for 2015 will be available in late 2016.</p><p class="p1">Gov. Bruce Rauner has issued a proclamation declaring December as Impaired Driving Prevention Month in Illinois, asking motorists to do their part to make our roads safer by not driving under the influence.</p><p class="p1">This year’s holiday enforcement campaign features the familiar “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” messages and will include stepped-up DUI and seat belt law enforcement efforts. </p><p class="p1">Through the first weekend of 2016, Illinois motorists will see this life-saving effort in their communities and throughout the state. </p><p class="p1">Law enforcement will be increasing enforcement efforts, conducting roadside safety checks and safety belt enforcement zones.</p><p class="p1">“Driving under the influence remains a significant factor in fatal traffic crashes,” said Illinois State Police Col. Tad Williams. </p><p class="p1">“The ISP will be doing our part to help keep the roadways safe this holiday season by conducting extra patrols with an emphasis on removing impaired drivers. </p><p class="p1">"You can do your part by planning ahead to designate a driver or arrange for other responsible transportation methods. </p>