Drive cautiously this holiday weekend

The Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend is a very busy time for travelers, and we at District 5 want to ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable time for everyone. With that said, road construction continues throughout the area, on and off the interstates.  As a reminder, please continue to obey the posted speed limit on the roadways and in the construction zones. 

Speed and reckless driving in the construction zones is a significant safety issue for those men and women who work in those areas. Our officers will be aggressively patrolling those zones in order to keep both drivers and workers safe.

On a positive note, I am very encouraged by the trend in Illinois of lower traffic fatalities in conjunction with an increase in the percentage of drivers and passengers who are wearing their seat belts.

Our troopers in District 5 plan to continue this trend through enforcement and education.  One such way has been in taking a proactive approach in educating young motorists in driving safety. To that end, troopers have introduced an initiative called “The Seat belt – Your New BFF.”

Since the start of the school year, District 5 and several local police agencies have been visiting high schools in the area in order to educate young drivers on the importance of wearing seat belts. Students in compliance of the seat belt law are commended and those in violation are warned of the consequences of not wearing them.

Also, for several years now, Troopers have conducted presentations at driver’s education classes which introduce the violations that most cause fatal crashes.

I am happy to announce that, between aggressive education and new laws, teen fatalities in Illinois have been trending downwards.  Our efforts in combating irresponsible driving are a priority for District 5 and will continue throughout the school year.   

Finally, traffic throughout the Thanksgiving Holiday will be abundant.  As in the past, District 5 will have an increased presence throughout the weekend and will be placing a special emphasis on enforcing the “Fatal Five” violations, which include: drunk driving, speeding, failure to wear a seat belt, improper lane usage, and following too closely.  As a friendly warning, if you are going to drink, don’t drive, because we will be out there.