[October 29, 2013]SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois
Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police have issued
this simple Halloween message: "Don't be tricked into drunk driving
this Halloween." Halloween revelers should be aware that their
Halloween disguises will not make them invisible to police, who will
crack down on drunk drivers and safety belt law violators throughout
the state on and around Halloween.
"This Halloween, don't be tricked into thinking you are OK to drive
if you celebrate with alcohol," said Illinois Transportation
Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "A sober and safe ride after the party
is the best treat you can give yourself and everyone else on the
road this Halloween, and it's the only way to avoid a DUI arrest if
you drink and drive."
During the last five years in Illinois
(2008-2012), 20 individuals lost their lives and 1,284 were injured
in motor vehicle crashes occurring during Halloween. Seven of the 20
fatalities, or 35 percent, occurred in crashes that involved
alcohol. Last year, four people lost their lives in Halloween
traffic crashes, and two of those individuals died in crashes that
involved alcohol.
Illinois motor vehicle fatalities with alcohol involvement
occurring on Halloween*
Year
Total
fatalities
Alcohol-
involved
**
Pct. involving
alcohol
2012
2
0
0%
2011
6
1
17%
2010
5
3
60%
2009
3
1
33%
2008
4
2
50%
*Oct. 31, midnight-11:59 p.m.
**Crash involving at least one driver
who had a blood alcohol content of 0.01 or greater