This holiday season, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), along with the Illinois State Police and over 200 local police and sheriff’s departments, is launching the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This initiative aims to remind everyone that law enforcement will be actively monitoring for impaired drivers, as well as seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic offenses.
With holiday celebrations on the horizon, it’s crucial to plan for a sober ride home before the festivities begin. Authorities statewide are urging drivers to stay sober and buckle up to help ensure that the holidays remain a time of joy rather than tragedy.
According to provisional data from IDOT, there were 1,241 traffic fatalities in 2023. During the holiday period from December 22nd to 25th, twelve lives were lost in nine fatal crashes, four of which involved at least one driver who tested positive for alcohol. As of December 9th this year, preliminary statistics indicate that there have been 1,192 deaths on Illinois roads.
The heightened traffic enforcement is made possible by federal funding administered by IDOT and supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement. This effort coincides with IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” campaign, which promotes awareness of the dangers of impaired driving, distracted driving, work zone safety, pedestrian safety, motorcycle awareness, and occupant safety through radio, digital, and TV ads.
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