If you imbibe this Super Bowl Sunday, do yourself a favor and stay off the road.
The Galesburg Police Department, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state are cracking down on drunk drivers this weekend.
In an ISP news release, State Police Colonel Tad Williams says “DUIs are responsible for nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in Illinois.” State troopers are emphasizing enforcement of drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations.
ISP officers issued more than 1,850 citations specific to the “fatal-4” violations last Super Bowl weekend; 105 were DUIs.
Galesburg Police Lt. Russ Idle tells WGIL city police are conducting special patrols to catch drunk drivers and seat belt law violators.
“They are always two-pronged,” Idle says. “There is an educational component trying to get the word out to the public, and then there is the enforcement part of it as well. Our guys are out there working hard trying to keep people safe and to remind people to drive safe.”
Crackdowns like this one focus on the holidays and events during which people are expected to be drinking.
“That is the time when it has been shown to have the highest percentage and number of vehicle crashes that result in injuries and deaths, so that is why we really emphasis those times.”
The police effort is part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled over Campaign in conjunction with Click It or Ticket.
