Alcohol-Related Fatalities On The Rise
In Illinois
Officials Announce New Assault On Drunk Driving Epidemic
Chicago, IL – Police and traffic safety advocates have
announced a new all out assault on drunk driving in
Illinois. This announcement comes in reaction to data
that shows alcohol related fatalities in Illinois,
following a national trend, are on the rise. According
to data by the Illinois Department of Transportation
(IDOT), Division of Traffic Safety and the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 648
people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2002 compared
to 623 in 2001. IDOT estimates
this deadly trend has continued in 2003.
“Law enforcement and traffic safety advocates are
addressing this epidemic with force. Law enforcement
throughout the state will conduct a two-week crack down
on impaired driving”, according to Timothy Martin,
Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation
“This enforcement period will coincide with the
nationwide You Drink & Drive. You Lose.
crackdown and the all too often holiday drinking and
driving season,” he said.
“We are concerned that a false perception exists that
alcohol and other impaired driving are problems of the
past, which has led to a new drunk driving epidemic. In
Illinois, impaired driving remains a very real and
deadly problem,” Martin continued.
In an effort to save lives and educate motorists on the
consequences of impaired driving, more than 780 law
enforcement agencies throughout Illinois will
participate in the You Drink & Drive. You
Lose enforcement crackdown. Additionally,
law enforcement will be continuing their focus on
ticketing unbelted motorists. It is a fact that one of
the best defenses motorists have against a drunk driver
is to buckle up.
“The message is simple; Illinois law enforcement will be
taking a zero tolerance approach to impaired drivers and
seatbelt violators”, according to Larry Trent, Director
of the Illinois State Police. “As part of this
crackdown, the Illinois State Police in conjunction with
local law enforcement have been and will be conducting
at least 100 roadside safety checks during the month of
December and into the new year. Additionally, local,
county and state law enforcement agencies will be
conducting saturation patrols and other stepped-up
enforcement activity,” he added.
The You Drink & Drive. You Lose
enforcement crackdown begins December 22nd and will be
conducted through January 4th.
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