Don't drink and drive

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reports that alcohol-related fatalities have decreased by 9 percent from the previous year and urges motorists to continue this trend by celebrating the holiday season safely and not drinking and driving.

Illinois recently received a 5-star rating, the highest ranking possible by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, for the state’s innovative and comprehensive efforts to combat drunk driving.

In Illinois in 2010, there were 436 alcohol-related fatalities, which was 47 percent of the 927 total crash fatalities. In 2009, there were 480 alcohol-related fatalities.

During the 2010 Christmas weekend, there were eight crash fatalities statewide, one of which was alcohol-related. There were 515 alcohol-related traffic injuries, which is approximately 17 percent of the 3,034 total motor vehicle crashes.

During the 2010 New Year’s weekend in Illinois, there were six crash fatalities, two of which were alcohol-related. There were 331 alcohol-related traffic injuries, which is approximately 19 percent of the 1,748 total motor vehicle crashes.

Nationally in 2009, an estimated 10,839 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes, an average of one every 48 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These deaths constitute 32 percent of the 33,808 total traffic fatalities.

The Secretary of State’s office is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to enforce the Click It or Ticket campaign to increase safety belt usage during the holiday season.

With New Year's Eve coming up this weekend, we join with state officials in encouraging everyone to have a safe and sober celebration. Please, don't drink and drive.