Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in collaboration with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies, is urging drivers to prioritize safety during the Thanksgiving holiday. As part of this initiative, motorists will encounter increased seat belt enforcement zones and patrols targeting seat belt law violators and impaired drivers through November 28.

"Unfortunately, some drivers and their passengers will travel without ever buckling their seat belts. Seat belts save lives. It really is that simple," stated Steve Travia, IDOT's Director of Highways Project Implementation. He emphasized that driving while distracted or impaired significantly raises the risk of a crash, and not wearing a seat belt further increases the chance of serious injury or death.

In Illinois last year during the Thanksgiving weekend, ten people lost their lives in traffic accidents. "Each year in Illinois, lives are needlessly lost simply because motorists weren't buckled in. A safety belt can only protect you if it is used - and used properly every time," noted Col. Christopher Owen from the ISP Division of Patrol. He urged everyone to ensure safe travels by avoiding distractions or impairments, reducing speed, and wearing seat belts.

Illinois law has permitted police to issue citations for not wearing a front-seat seat belt since 2003, with all vehicle occupants required to wear them since 2012 regardless of seating position. Additionally, children must use a child safety seat until at least age eight in Illinois.

The enhanced traffic enforcement effort receives funding from federal sources administered by IDOT and is supported by both ISP and local law enforcement across Illinois. This initiative aligns with IDOT's "It's Not a Game" campaign which highlights the consequences of impaired driving along with other road safety issues such as distracted driving, work zone safety, pedestrian safety, motorcycle awareness, and occupant protection.

For more details on these initiatives, visit www.itsnotagameillinois.com.