Woodridge Police: This Thanksgiving, Buckle Up, Have Sober Driver

WOODRIDGE, IL — The Woodridge Police Department reminds motorists to buckle up and drive sober as one of the busiest travel times of the year is right around the corner. Motorists will see an increase in safety patrols starting Friday and over the holiday weekend through the morning of Nov. 30, the police department said, in a news release sent to Patch.

According to police, many traffic deaths and injuries during the year could be prevented with the click of a seat belt or the choice to designate a sober driver.

Police added that according to data, over 30 percent of motor vehicle crash fatalities in Illinois involve an alcohol-impaired driver, and data also shows drug-involved driving is increasing.

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To combat these trends, Woodridge Police is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies in a statewide effort to save lives by stepping up enforcement of seat belt and impaired driving laws, according to the news release.

“On regular days and holidays alike, law enforcement too often see the results of driving impaired
and not wearing a seat belt," Deputy Chief Tom Stefanson said, in the news release. “They are both tragic and preventable. Whether you’re driving cross-country or across the street, please remember to wear your seat belt and make a plan for a sober ride home.”

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT as part of the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaigns.