Palos Police Chief’s Warning To Drivers

From Palos PD: As we surge into the year-end holiday blitz, countless Americans will be traveling, whether they want to be or not. For hardcore travelers, holiday travel is amateur season -- much like New Year's Eve is considered amateur night by committed year-round revelers. The vast majority of travelers are moving around by car. This is especially the case over long holiday weekend with most travelers expected to drive to their destination.

More cars on the road in potentially wintry conditions almost invariably mean increased risks for travelers. Add to that the considerable increase in the ingestion of alcoholic drinks, and the major winter holidays rank among the most dangerous days to be in your car all year. Christmas Eve also seems to be made worse by this issue, as last-minute shoppers add anxiety and urgency to an already increased traffic load, to dangerous effect. The most dangerous holidays for driving tend to be of the "long weekend" variety -- that is, holidays that reliably last three or four days, and always fall on a weekend.

Palos Park Police and Police throughout Illinois we have an increased presence and be on higher alert for drunk drivers. We suggest travel early in the day, as volume tends to be lowest then. And if you see someone driving erratically, chances are good that they are impaired; get away from them and call 911. Happy Holidays from the Men & Women of the Palos Park Police Department.

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