Press Release Date:
December 19, 2003
|| Archived January 12, 2004
SPRINGFIELD, IL –– The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today its involvement in a nationwide effort to raise alcohol awareness and increase DUI enforcement over the upcoming weekend. By participating in National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend, December 19-21, the ISP joins hundreds of other police agencies across the country in emphasizing traffic safety during a key weekend of the holiday season.
“The tragedy of impaired driving is preventable,” stated Illinois State Police Director Larry G. Trent. “By designating a sober driver or calling a taxi, the chance of everyone arriving at their destination safely significantly increases.
According to Trent, last year 107 persons lost their lives on Illinois roadways during the month of December –– 43 of the deaths were alcohol-related. “In an effort to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities, Troopers will participate in the National Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) with police and sheriffs’ departments across the country. In Illinois, officers will be out in force with saturation patrols, roadside safety checks, and public awareness efforts to increase safety belt use, stop impaired driving, speeding, and aggressive driving.
“The holidays are a very happy time for families and friends,” Trent observed. “Driving impaired is one of the most direct routes to tragedy. We ask motorists to stay safe and sober and join us in our efforts to prevent the senseless tragedies that can come with drinking and driving,” he concluded.
