For this year’s fourth of July festivities, the Illinois Department of Transportation has started a new safety campaign titled, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The Illinois Department of Transportation along with the Illinois State Police are joining in an effort to cut down on injuries and deaths over holiday weekends.
IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel says troopers will be out in full enforcement over the holiday weekend.
Wappel says that there will be more than 200 police and sheriff departments taking part in this campaign. Through June 27th, there have been 509 traffic fatalities in Illinois which is an increase of 33 from a year ago. There were also 14 deaths last year over the 4th of July holiday.
Some tips to remember for your 4th celebrations, are to give your designated driver your keys before you go out. If you do get drunk or impaired, call a taxi, take mass transit or call a family member to come to pick you up. You can also use Uber or Lyft, and if you see an impaired driver, pull over safely and call 9-1-1. Above all else, make sure you wear a seatbelt.
