SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Police (ISP) will join law enforcement agencies throughout the nation during the National Holiday Lifesavers Mobilization Weekend, December 21-23. Sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." Campaign, the traffic safety initiative is a partnership with criminal justice and traffic safety partners that are committed to reducing deaths from impaired driving.
"This is a time for holiday parties and get-togethers, but those who plan to drive should be responsible when they celebrate. Risking lives – yours and others – by driving drunk is no way to celebrate the holidays," said ISP Director Sam W. Nolen.
According to ISP statistics, 111 persons lost their lives on Illinois roadways last December. Thirty-seven of those were alcohol-related. The Illinois State Police reminds everyone to enjoy this Christmas and New Year by offering the following safety tips:
Don’t risk it. If you plan to drive, don’t drink. Choose a sober designated driver. Take the mass transit system or a taxicab. Spend the night where the activity is being held. Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. "As part of the National Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) and Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, officers will conduct high-visibility saturation patrols throughout the Lifesavers weekend in an effort to save lives this holiday season," Nolen concluded. |
