SPRINGFIELD, IL - During the month of December, the Illinois State Police (ISP) will join law enforcement agencies throughout the nation observe "National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month". Officers will increase education and enforcement efforts during 3D Month in an effort to reduce driving under the influence and other alcohol and drug related offenses.
"Last year in Illinois, 614 people were killed as a result of alcohol related crashes," said ISP Director Sam W. Nolen. "Through strict enforcement and education awareness, we hope our officers will not have to deliver the tragic news to a victim’s family that their loved one was lost to this senseless crime."
Drivers in Illinois with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 are legally impaired to the point where critical driving skills are greatly diminished. These drivers are also three times more likely to be involved in a crash than a sober driver, and 11 times more likely to be killed in a single vehicle crash.
As part of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Illinois’ "Tie One on For Safety" Campaign, officers will attach red ribbons to their squad car’s antenna as a reminder to drive sober during the holidays. The Illinois State Police encourages all motorists to support the campaign by placing a red ribbon on their vehicles.
"Please celebrate responsibly this holiday season. Don’t take a chance, because chances are you will be caught. Remember . . . your best defense against a drunk driver is a fastened seat belt," Nolen concluded. | 
