Illinois State Police encourages safe driving habits during the holidays

[December 22, 2017] 

The upcoming holidays will bring family and friends together to close out 2017. Unfortunately, some will choose to make life-threatening driving decisions while behind the wheel. Lieutenant Chris Owen, District 09, Commander encourages everyone to enjoy the holidays, but to do so responsibly.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S., and traffic crashes are largely preventable. If you are traveling during the holidays, please be accountable for your actions and do your part to prevent a traffic crash.

If you will be attending a holiday celebration where alcohol is involved, please make sure you use a designated driver or make necessary arrangements to ensure an intoxicated person does not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Before you start your trip, make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. It is estimated that the risk of fatal injuries is cut in half when seat belts are properly worn. Also, be sure to eliminate distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for any reason is not a good idea. Looking at a cell phone for five seconds at 55 mph is like driving blind for the length of a football field.

Be sure to watch your speed. The faster you are going, the less time you have to react when trying to avoid a crash. Furthermore, the faster you are going, the greater the chance of a crash resulting in serious injury.

Commander Owen added “With the increase in traffic volume, the likelihood of traffic crashes increase significantly. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Buckle up and don’t drive if you choose to consume alcohol. When you see any vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights remember to change lanes if possible, slow down and proceed with due caution. Scott’s Law Day is on 12/23 and as always, officers will be paying particular attention to those who violate the Mover Over Law.”
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/ fulltext.asp?Name=099-0146&GA=99

Don’t ruin anyone’s festivities this holiday season. Be accountable for your actions behind the wheel and drive responsibly.

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