The Illinois State Police are warning against speeding, DUI’s, seatbelt infractions, and distracted driving this holiday season. The Thanksgiving Holiday is considered one of the busiest travel holiday periods of the year as people flock to the roads. ISP Captain Mark Gillock wants everyone to drive safely.

The ISP will increase patrols and work on enforcement and education to reduce serious crashes and criminal activities. ISP will also do their part by removing intoxicated drivers from the roadways. Captain Gillock also says that drunk driving is buzzed driving, and to slow down or move over for emergency vehicles and to not text and drive.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 15 motor vehicle crash fatalities occurred in Illinois over the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Five of those 15 deaths occurred in crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking.