July 4th holiday directed patrols

[July 03, 2009]  The Lincoln Police Department is again participating in Illinois Department of Transportation holiday patrols. These patrols began at 12:01 a.m. Friday and continue through midnight Sunday. Officers will focus on impaired drivers, open alcohol, underage drinking and driving while license suspended or revoked. Additionally, officers will enforce the "fatal five" offenses of speeding, driving under the influence, failure to use seat belts properly, following too closely and improper lane usage.

IDOT Secretary Gary Hanning said: "We must decrease the number of crashes occurring on Illinois roadways, particularly at night, but we need help from the motoring public. Data shows a very disproportionate number of fatal traffic crashes on Illinois roads occur late at night, and a very high percentage of these fatalities involve alcohol and motorists who have failed to buckle up. Take our advice; it could save a life."

If you are pulled over for incorrect safety belt use or for nonuse, the fine is $55. Safety belt compliance has jumped 14.2 percentage points, from 76.2 percent in 2003 to 90.5 percent in 2008.

The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Task Force of the Healthy Communities Partnership is sponsoring a free cab ride home in their "Don't Drink & Drive, Get a Safe Ride" campaign for Friday within the Lincoln city limits. Ask your bartender how to get a free ride. If you don't, you may get a free ride to the Logan County Jail!

Voluntary compliance is the ultimate goal of this campaign. Wearing a properly adjusted safety belt significantly reduces the risk of serious injury. If you see a drunk driver, call 911. DUI drivers will go to jail. Obedience to all traffic laws is a key to keeping our streets safe!

[Text from file received from the Lincoln Police Department]