With the big game on Sunday, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and law enforcement agencies are encouraging Illinoisans to remember to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click it or Ticket.”  

IDOT’s Director of Highways Project Implementation Steve Travia says that if you are planning on attending parties with friends, plan for a safe ride home so that when the party’s over you have a way to make it home. If you are driving this weekend, safety should be the top priority.  Make sure your designated driver is sober, walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you, if needed.

If you are planning on being the designated driver, refrain from drinking alcohol, using cannabis, or any other impairing substance. Along with being sober while you drive, make sure you follow other traffic laws including putting your phone away and buckling up. 

Some tips you can follow include designating a sober driver ahead of time or using your sober ride program, not letting friends and family members drive impaired, and promptly reporting impaired drivers to law enforcement.

If you are hosting a party make sure all your guests have a sober ride home, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages, and host your party just like at the game: stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter.  Take keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.