Crime & Safety

IDOT Assisting in Annual Crackdown on Drunk Drivers for Fourth of July

Crackdown will have roadside safety checks and saturation patrols to identify and remove drunk drivers from the roads.

The following release was issued by IDOT:

The Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State Police and more than 300 local law enforcement agencies are joining the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in the annual Independence Day crackdown on drunk drivers. 

This enforcement initiative brings a strong reminder to holiday motorists to "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." Police also want motorists to "Click It or Ticket," especially during the dangerous late night hours. 

This stepped-up effort around the Independence Day holiday is an effort to make Illinois roadways safer during what too often can turn celebrating and vacations into a tragic time, ruined by a serious crash.
 
Through Sunday July 7th, the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state will conduct more than 100 Roadside Safety Checks and more than 500 saturation patrols to identify and remove drunk drivers from roads. 

In addition, nearly 400 Safety Belt Enforcement Zones and more than 380 nighttime seat belt saturation patrols will be conducted across Illinois reminding motorists to "Click It or Ticket." More than $750,000 in federal traffic safety funds will be utilized for additional police patrols during the stepped-up enforcement effort.
 
The mid-summer crackdown comes as Illinois' 2013 year-to-date motor vehicle crash fatalities are nearly equal to the same timeframe of 2012. Illinois Department of Transportation data shows 458 people have died in motor vehicle crashes through June 26, 2013 compared to 459 during the same timeframe in 2012.
 
"The messages "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket" are two very simple life-saving reminders that motorists need to heed this Independence Day in Illinois," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "Drunk driving is dangerous, deadly and against the law - and it will not be tolerated in Illinois. And, if you drive unbuckled in the front or back seat, you will be given a ticket.
 
In addition to staying sober on the roads, boaters in Illinois are also reminded to do the same and wear a life jacket. The Illinois Conservation Police will be increasing enforcement on public lakes and rivers over the4th of July Holiday weekend looking for impaired boaters. During last year's 4th of July holiday enforcement period Conservation Police issued over 450 citations to boaters on public waters.
 
Independence Day is often one of the deadliest holidays of the year in Illinois and throughout the nation as a result of drunk driving crashes. Data from IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety shows that four people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the Independence Day holiday in 2012. 

Of those fatalities, two, or 50 percent occurred in crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle operator who had been drinking. In the last five years in Illinois, 55 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during the Independence Day holiday period, and 62 percent (34) of those fatalities involved at least one driver who had been drinking. During the same five years, 3,567 people were injured in Independence Day crashes. 

The 2013 Illinois Independence Day Crackdown is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by IDOT.

As part of promoting safe driving this 4th of July holiday, IDOT and Chicago's B96 radio are giving away four pairs of tickets to the upcoming Legends of the Summer Tour concert at Soldier Field.

"Like" IDOT's Traffic Safety page https://www.facebook.com/ILTrafficSafety and enter your information here https://www.facebook.com/ILTrafficSafety/app_526583567404981 for a chance to win. The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. CST July 4, 2013

B96 will draw names and announce the winners on Friday, July 5th.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.