Drive sober so Labor Day weekend is safe for everyone

As we approach the last unofficial weekend of summer, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police are sending a clear message: Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance is not a game. To help keep our roads safe, more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are joining IDOT and ISP in enforcing the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safety campaign.

“A DUI arrest is a serious matter that can impact lives forever – and it’s 100% preventable,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT. “The consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance could cost you large fines, legal fees, increased insurance rates and, more importantly, your life or someone else’s.”

During the campaign, which runs through the Labor Day weekend, ISP, and local police and sheriff’s departments are increasing patrols and enforcement, reminding the public that driving under the influence can come with real-life, sobering consequences.

According to IDOT data, last year in Illinois during the holiday weekend, there were 11 fatal crashes resulting in 14 deaths. Three of the crashes were alcohol-related, resulting in six of the 14 fatalities.

94.1 WGFA    -courtesy IDOT/ISP