6 Deaths On Illinois Roads Last New Year's: Illinois State Police

SPRINGFIELD, IL — As New Year's festivities kick off, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and 200 law enforcement agencies across the state remind motorists to drive sober to save lives during the upcoming holiday. Officials said Illinois motorists will see an increase in patrols across the state through the early morning of Jan. 2 to help keep our roads safe, after several people were killed on the road during last year's festivities.

"Last year, six people died on our roads over New Year's, and four of those deaths were alcohol-related," said Cynthia Watters, IDOT's bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering, in a release. "It's everyone's responsibility to make good decisions before getting behind the wheel. It really is a matter of life or death — yours as well as others."

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The holiday campaign features the familiar "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket" messages.

However, it's not just DUI and seat belt offenders police are looking for, but law enforcement will show zero tolerance for speeding, distracted driving and other offenses, officials said.

"We ask drivers to please make this holiday safe for all travelers by driving sober and making responsible choices before getting behind the wheel," said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz, in a release. With the public's voluntary compliance, we are confident the holiday can be safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Law enforcement members urge everyone to take these important steps to avoid a tragedy:

• Plan ahead. If you plan to drink or use any impairing drugs or substances, plan for a sober driver to take you home. If it's your turn to be the designated driver, take that role seriously - your friends are relying on you.
• Remember, it is never OK to drive impaired. Alcohol and other drugs affect skills necessary for driving.
• Use a community sober ride program if available, call a cab or use your favorite rideshare app.
• If you see a friend or family member who is about to drive impaired, take the keys away and help them get home safely. They'll thank you later.

More: illinois.gov

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