SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Police (ISP) will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), a nationwide effort to reduce highway crashes and fatalities, this Labor Day weekend. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, 537 people lost their lives last year in crashes during the five-day holiday reporting period.
"In Illinois, 26 people were killed during the Labor Day weekend," said Illinois State Police Director Sam W. Nolen. "I urge everyone to drive defensively and obey all traffic laws so that the final summer holiday will be safe and enjoyable for all motorists."
Nolen offered the following tips to use when driving this holiday weekend:
Obey the speed limit. Disregard for posted limits is a leading cause in all crashes.
Don’t drink and drive. Two out of every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash during their lifetime.
Buckle-up. Seat belts, when used, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat occupants by 45 percent.
Don’t tailgate. Tailgating, or following too close, is a major cause of crashes resulting in serious injury or death. Don’t switch lanes suddenly. A sudden lane change without signaling can cause crashes which could be avoided. Always use your turn signal.
Nolen added that the number of Troopers working Illinois highways this Labor Day will increase due to the Special Traffic Enforcement (s.T.E.P.) Program. Each ISP district will participate in s.T.E.P. this holiday weekend. Drivers can also expect to encounter additional speed patrols, including radar, laser, air speed checks, saturation patrols, and roadside safety checks. |
