Crystal Lake Police: We're Out In Force Over Thanksgiving Break

From the Crystal Lake Police Department: As millions of families travel to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is crucial to remember to buckle up and not drive impaired. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 11 roadway deaths occurred in Illinois over the 2016 holiday weekend. Many deaths and injuries may have been prevented with the click of a seat belt or the choice to designate a sober driver.

The Crystal Lake Police Department is joining in this national effort along with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies across the state to save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt and impaired driving laws. Additional police patrols will be active over the holiday period.

Statistics show that nighttime driving comes with an increased risk for a crash that could result in injury or death. Evening hours account for a higher percentage of alcohol-related crashes, a higher percentage of fatalities, and a lower percentage of occupants wearing seat belts.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved the lives of an estimated 13,951 people in 2015. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You will save the cost of a ticket and may even save a life.

If you do celebrate with alcohol, make sure to designate a sober driver. For more information about the “Click It or Ticket” or “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns, visit www.idot.illinois.gov.

This Thanksgiving Holiday enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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