The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies are issuing a clear warning ahead of the Independence Day holiday: If you’re impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other substance and get behind the wheel, you will face serious consequences.
As part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, law enforcement will show zero tolerance for impaired driving through July 7th. The initiative is supported by federal highway safety funds and coincides with IDOT’s broader media campaign, “It’s Not a Game.”
Provisional data from IDOT highlights the dangers of the holiday weekend. During last year’s Independence Day period—from 6 p.m. on July 3rd to 11:59 p.m. on July 7th—Illinois recorded 17 fatal crashes that claimed 21 lives. Three of those crashes involved alcohol-impaired drivers, resulting in five deaths.
In addition to targeting impaired drivers, police will be actively enforcing seat belt usage, speed limits, and other traffic laws. Officials stress that wearing a seat belt is not only mandatory under Illinois law but also the most effective way to protect yourself against impaired drivers.
As you celebrate the holiday, law enforcement urges all motorists to buckle up, stay sober, and stay safe.
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