Illinois State Police launch operation Fatal Four for Labor Day holiday weekend
Troopers will be on the Lookout for speeding, DUI, driving distracted and seatbelt compliance

[September 05, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 09 Commander, Captain Scott Compton, would like to remind motorists to make safety their number one priority while driving during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Labor Day weekend is one the busiest driving periods for motorists and millions of people are expected to hit the roadways and interstates nationwide.

Law Enforcement officials will push for ZERO fatalities by enforcing the four most common causes of fatal crashes: Speeding, DUI, Seat Belts, and Distracted Driving. Troopers will patrol the expressways and roadways looking for fatal four violations.

At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to be involved in a serious crash.

Driving under the influence continues to be a factor in fatal crashes. Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United Sates involve drunk drivers. During the Labor Day weekend in 2013, there were 424 crash fatalities nationwide. Almost half (48%) of those fatal crashes involved alcohol.

“Labor Day marks the last celebration of summer and is an opportunity for friends and families to get together. Don't make drinking and driving part of the celebration. Designate a driver if you are going to drink and wear your seat belt regardless of where you are sitting in the vehicle.” Captain Scott Compton.

Illinois State Police are responsible for the public safety of the citizens of Illinois and patrol more than 20,000 miles of the state’s highways.
 

[Sean Ramsey, Illinois State Police]