Increased DUI enforcement by Illinois State Police District 9 leads to fewer fatalities

[September 09, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- In 2011, Illinois State Police District 9 has increased DUI arrests by 35 percent. From January to present, District 9 has made over 370 DUI arrests.

"This increase has directly resulted in the reduction of alcohol-related fatalities," said Capt. Michael Zerbonia, District 9 commander. In 2011, District 9 has experienced four alcohol-related deaths, compared with nine in 2010. However, "one death is too many," Zerbonia said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one alcohol-impaired fatality occurs every 48 minutes. In addition, one-third of fatal crashes involve alcohol-impaired driving.

Illinois State Police District 9 was in full force with additional officers during the Labor Day weekend. This enforcement effort resulted in nearly 20 alcohol-related arrests.

District 9 will continue to remove impaired drivers from the roadways and focus on the "Fatal Four" violations: speeding, not wearing a seat belt, distracted driving and driving under the influence.

"Our duty is to keep the public and our roadways safe. The choice is simple. Drive safely and responsibly or risk losing your license and going to jail," said Zerbonia.

[Text from file received from Illinois State Police]