In Illinois, heightened patrols and strict enforcement of driving laws are in effect through December 2, 2024, emphasizing seatbelt use and sober driving this Thanksgiving. With a notorious rise in accidents during the holiday period, officials urge the public to make safety a priority. Last year, the state recorded 2,842 accidents and 16 fatalities over just five days around Thanksgiving, some involving alcohol. With a focus on preventing such tragedies, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement stress the importance of planning ahead for transportation if drinking is involved. The campaign is part of a broader safety initiative funded by federal resources, aiming to reduce impaired and distracted driving incidents statewide.
“Buckling your seat belt is the law in Illinois – and your best defense if you’re in a crash,” saidStephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “If you think you might drink or use drugs, plan to designate a sober driver so your and everyone else’s Thanksgiving holiday is safe and filled with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.”
“The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for getting together with friends and family,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “But if you’re planning to drink when you get together, especially the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, often called Blackout Wednesday or Drinksgiving, make sure to arrange a ride share, designate a sober driver or have someone who isn’t drinking pick you up. And always make sure to wear a seat belt. People will be thankful you did.”