Thanksgiving Holiday travel advisory
Illinois State Police urge driver safety

[November 24, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) is urging the motoring public to drive safe and avoid the Fatal Four moving violations; Speeding, DUI, Seatbelts, and Distracted Driving, this holiday season.

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the busy holiday driving period. Beginning on Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29, high traffic volumes are expected on roadways throughout the state. As traffic volume increases, so does your chance of being involved in a traffic crash. Avoiding the Fatal Four can help to decrease your chances of being involved in a serious traffic crash.

ISP troopers will be extra vigilant during the holiday travel period. Officers will be conducting road side safety checks and participating in additional traffic enforcement details to identify the Fatal Four moving violations. Officers will also be available to provide assistance to motorists who are experiencing mechanical issues on their way to and from their holiday celebration.

Captain Scott Compton added “Thanksgiving weekend is one of the heaviest travel days of the year. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, buckle up, and don’t drink and drive. Help make this a safe and happy holiday weekend for everyone.”

Along with avoiding the Fatal Four, the ISP would also like to remind motorist to “move over.” The “move over” law requires motorists approaching an emergency vehicle stopped along the roadway to reduce their speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution.

The safety of everyone on Illinois roadways is important. Please remember: Don’t Drink and Drive, Always Buckle Up, Limit Distractions, Slow Down, and “move over!” The Illinois State Police would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend.

[Tpr. Sean T. Ramsey, Safety Education Officer,
Illinois State Police District 09]