The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state are putting a heightened focus on impaired driving this Halloween, reminding drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
The effort is part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Drive High, Get a DUI" safety campaigns, which run through the weekend.
"No one should ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The only choice to make is to never get behind the wheel if you're impaired," said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT. "Remember — It's Not a Game.'"
The campaigns, along with increased traffic enforcement, are funded by federal highway safety grants and administered by IDOT, and are supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies statewide.
Background
According to IDOT's news page, this year's Halloween enforcement and awareness campaign began Oct. 24 and extends into the early hours of Nov. 3, covering the period when numerous Halloween celebrations are expected. The campaigns reinforce IDOT's "It's Not a Game" traffic safety initiative.
IDOT advises motorists who plan to drink, use cannabis or consume any other drug to arrange a safe way home before heading out — such as a cab, rideshare, mass transit or a designated sober driver — and to make sure everyone in the vehicle buckles their seat belt. Drivers who see an impaired motorist are urged to pull over and call 911, according to IDOT.
Source: the original release