State police urge motorist caution this holiday weekend

A letter from Illinois State Police Capt. James Wolf, District 9

[May 20, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Memorial Day holiday weekend is the first major holiday of the summer, which is something many will celebrate. However, Memorial Day weekend continues to be a dangerous and deadly holiday because of the increase in traffic on the roadway and individuals who chose to drive while impaired.

To "kick off" efforts to keep the roadways safe, Illinois State Police, District 9, will continue to participate in the "Stay Alive on the I's (interstates)" enforcement campaign during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The special enforcement initiative will occur on Friday from noon until 10 p.m. and again on Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. During these times, all Illinois interstates will be saturated with troopers every 10 miles along interstate corridors. This enforcement initiative is in conjunction with the Combined Accident Reduction Effort and the Illinois Department of Transportation's "Click It or Ticket" campaign.

"Stay Alive on the I's" is a campaign dedicated to increase traffic safety and reduce fatalities and crashes. During this campaign, troopers will maintain high visibility and will stop and arrest those individuals who fail to obey traffic laws. Special emphasis will be placed on the "fatal five," which have proven to be the leading cause of serious injury and death -- speeding, failure to use safety belts properly, driving under the influence, improper lane usage and following too closely. Troopers will also enforce the "Move Over" Law. This law mandates that when a motorist is approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or maintenance vehicle stopped along the roadway and displaying flashing warning lights, a driver must: reduce speed, change lanes if possible and proceed with caution.

Statewide figures from the 2008 Memorial Day weekend reported 14 people died in traffic crashes. Locally, District 9 -- which encompasses Cass, Christian, Logan, Mason, Menard, Morgan and Sangamon counties -- did not report any fatal crashes.

The goal of the men and women of the Illinois State Police is for people to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. As you are driving to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, please protect yourself and your family; buckle up, obey the speed limit, stay alert, drive responsibly and defensively, and don't drink and drive.

[Text from file received from Capt. James Wolf, Illinois State Police, District 9]