As Illinoisans gear up for one of the busiest travel times of the year, the Lombard Police Department announced its plans for a traffic safety campaign focusing on impaired and unbuckled drivers.
“Holiday traffic brings with it an increased risk for accidents,” said Police Officer Paula Rojas. “To ensure your family makes it to and from your Thanksgiving feast without incident, make a conscious choice to buckle up and plan ahead for a sober ride home.”
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 15 motor vehicle crash fatalities occurred in Illinois over the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Five of the 15 deaths occurred in crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking.
The Lombard Police Department is partnering with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement across Illinois for the increased statewide effort. The high-visibility crackdown will run from Nov. 22 through the holiday weekend into the early morning hours of Dec. 2.
The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns are funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences. Visit www.LifeOrDeathIllinois.com for more information.
The Lombard Police Department and law enforcement throughout Illinois will be working around the clock through Thanksgiving and the remainder of the year to make certain that travelers are buckled up and driving sober.
Drivers and passengers can expect a ticket if they are spotted without a seat belt or with an unbuckled child in their vehicle. Additionally, motorists are being warned that driving after drinking or using drugs or other impairing substances will not be tolerated. Stepped-up patrols including seat belt enforcement zones and roadside safety checks will be seen throughout Lombard and the state. For more information see news items at www.villageoflombard.org.