Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation are joining with nearly 200 law enforcement agencies for the annual ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign this holiday season. The goal of the program that will continue through January 2nd is to keep impaired drivers off Illinois roads during the holiday season.
IDOT’s Director of Highways Project Implementation Steve Travia is hoping everyone will head the message that impairment is impairment, whether by alcohol or drugs and that driving impaired is illegal and deadly. He adds any will lead you to a DUI if you choose to drive under the influence.”
The end-of-year enforcement campaign comes as IDOT data shows crash fatalities are higher than this time in 2022. Through Dec. 14th, 1,213 people have lost their lives in crashes, which is 11 more than during the same period in 2022.
Illinois State Police Division of Patrol Deputy Director, Col. Christopher Owen says they will be conducting roadside safety checks and performing directed patrols focusing on DUI enforcement. He wants everyone to be able to enjoy the holidays, and voluntary compliance regarding impaired driving is preferred. Owens says to designate a driver, use a ride-share service, or call a cab. Don’t let the ISP be your ride, because we won’t be going to your house.
Other important tips include:
- Plan ahead. If you’ll be attending a party or going out and intend to drink or use cannabis or 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.
- Use your community’s sober ride program if available, call a cab or use your favorite ride-sharing app.
- See a friend or family member who is about to drive impaired by alcohol and/or drugs? Take the keys away and plan to get them home safely.
In addition to impaired driving and seat belt offenders, law enforcement will show zero tolerance to speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic law offenders.
The heightened law enforcement is made possible through federal funds administered by IDOT and coincides with the comprehensive multimedia campaign “It’s Not a Game.”
