| SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today its involvement in a nationwide effort to raise alcohol awareness and increase DUI enforcement over the upcoming weekend. The ISP will join hundreds of police agencies across the country in the Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) National Lifesaver Weekend, December 17-19, to emphasize the importance of traffic safety during one of the key weekends of the holiday season.
"As a member of Governor Blagojevich's Alcohol Abuse Task Force, the Illinois State Police is committed to reducing impaired driving, not only during the holidays, but throughout the year," said Illinois State Police Director Larry G. Trent, "This holiday season, Troopers began conducting roadside safety checks during the Thanksgiving weekend, and will continue to hold the statewide checks through January 2, 2005, to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destinations."
In addition to roadside safety checks, Troopers will be assigned to seat belt enforcement zones and patrols aimed at reducing the fatal five offenses which contribute to crashes: speeding, not using restraint devices, following too closely, DUI, and improper lane usage.
"The holidays should be happy times with families and friends," Trent observed. "Driving impaired can turn a joyous time of the year into one of tragedy. Motorists are reminded to stay safe and sober, and to always wear their seat belt whenever they travel. The senseless tragedies that come with driving impaired can be prevented," he concluded. |
