Illinois State Police Urge Driver Safety over Thanksgiving holiday

Carmi, IL –The Illinois State Police (ISP) is urging the motoring public to drive safe and avoid the Fatal Four moving violations; Speeding, DUI, Failure to Wear Seatbelts, and Distracted Driving, this holiday season.

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the busy holiday driving period.  Beginning on Wednesday, November 25^ththrough Sunday, November 29^th, high traffic volumesare expected on roadways throughout the state.  As traffic volume increases, so does your chance of being involved in a traffic crash.  Avoiding the Fatal Four can help decrease your chances of being involved in a serious traffic crash.

ISP troopers will be extra vigilant during the holiday travel period.  Officers will be conducting road side safety checks and participating in additional traffic enforcement details to identify the Fatal Four moving violations.  Officers will also be available to provide assistance to motorists experiencing mechanical issues on their way to and from their holiday celebrations.

“Our goal is to save lives during this holiday travel period, and that is why ISP District 19 troopers will be out aggressively enforcing the Fatal Four traffic violations most associated with fatal traffic crashes,” said District 19 Commander Kelly Hodge.  “In addition, District 19 troopers will be participating in the Click It or Ticket Campaign through November 29^th, where specific enforcement details will be conducted to identify those drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt,” added Commander Hodge.

Along with avoiding the Fatal Four, the ISP would also like to remind motorist to “move over.”  The “move over” law requires motorists approaching an emergency vehicle stopped along the roadway to reduce their speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution.

The safety of everyone on Illinois roadways is important.  Please remember:  Don’t Drink and Drive, Always Buckle Up, Limit Distractions, Slow Down, and “Move Over!”  The Illinois State Police would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend.