 "We are working closely
with Illinois State Police to make sure that every football fan
enjoys the big game in a safe manner," said Illinois Transportation
Secretary Gary Hannig. "Super Bowl Sunday is about family, fun, good
competition and safety, and we want everyone to enjoy and stay sober
if you plan to drive.""Throughout Super Bowl weekend, the
Illinois State Police will remain diligent in enforcing driving
under the influence and the other fatal five violations, including
speeding, safety belt use, improper lane usage and following too
closely," said Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken. "Law
enforcement recognizes the big game brings fans together to
celebrate, and alcoholic beverages are often part of the
celebration. If you choose to drink, don't drive. Ask someone to be
a designated driver, prior to starting your celebration, or call a
taxi service to make sure you arrive home safely."
IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety is supporting the Buzzed
Driving is Drunk Driving campaign Feb. 1-7 by airing an audio public
service announcement, coordinating outreach activities on radio
stations statewide and providing interview opportunities with
traffic safety experts. In addition, Illinois State Police and local
law enforcement agencies have an estimated $350,000 in grants by
IDOT to conduct stepped-up impaired driving and safety belt patrols
around the Super Bowl weekend.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, fatalities in
crashes from alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 32 percent of
all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 3,
2008, to 5:59 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008), 49 percent of the fatalities
occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a
blood-alcohol concentration level of 0.08 or higher.
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 The Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic
Safety suggests the following tips for people planning to consume
alcohol while watching the Super Bowl:
-
Designate a sober driver before the party begins.
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Call a taxi, use mass transit, or call a sober friend or family
member to get you home safely.
-
Use your community's designated driver program, if established.
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Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
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Spend the night where the activity is and sleep it off.
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Always buckle up -- it's your best defense against an impaired
driver.
The Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving crackdown began Monday and
runs through Super Bowl Sunday. For more information about impaired
driving in Illinois, go to
www.drivesoberillinois.org. IDOT's Traffic Safety Division can
also be followed at www.twitter.com/ILTrafficSafety.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Transportation
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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