Gov. Blagojevich announces Super Bowl blitz on drinking and driving      

IDOT funds patrols by ISP and local police on Super Bowl Sunday to crack down on impaired drivers

[FEB. 2, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced that the Illinois State Police (ISP) and 41 local police agencies are teaming up this coming weekend to mount an all-out blitz against drinking and driving. The effort is paid for by Traffic Safety funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

"We're all excited about the Bears making it to the Super Bowl. And, hopefully we'll get to celebrate a big victory on Sunday. But if you're celebrating with alcohol, make sure you don't get behind the wheel," said Gov. Blagojevich. "To make sure our roadways are safe this weekend, we'll have extra State Police and local police patrols on the lookout for impaired drivers."

IDOT is providing $175,000 in Traffic Safety funding to the Illinois State Police and 41 local law enforcement agencies to pay for police overtime and a media campaign to keep the roads free of impaired drivers.

"With the big game approaching, we all need to come up with a game plan to block fans who drink too much from driving and endangering their own lives and lives of others," said IDOT Division of Traffic Safety Director Michael Stout.

"The Illinois State Police will have an extra 120 Troopers on duty Sunday night with the sole responsibility of arresting anyone who makes the choice to drive while under the influence," said State Police Director Larry G. Trent. "We want to remind anyone who decides to include alcohol consumption as part of their Super Bowl festivities to use a designated driver or call a taxi."

IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety is asking everyone who is hosting a party to act like a responsible head coach and prepare a game plan to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel:

• Be sure all of your guests designate a sober driver before kickoff.

• Serve plenty of food, especially high-protein dishes, and serve non-alcoholic drinks as well.

• Stop serving alcohol by the third quarter and serve coffee and dessert so your team gets a boost of energy in the fourth quarter of the game.

• If anyone tries to drive intoxicated, pull him or her from the game. Take their keys and call a new play.

• Keep the numbers of local cab companies handy.

In the United States, every 30 minutes someone dies in an alcohol-related traffic crash. Keep your eye on the ball and complete the pass by not allowing a friend to drive drunk.

(Text copied from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information)