Illinois State police announced that they will have an extra presence throughout the state in order to help keep the roads safe during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
“We will be increasing patrols to watch for motorists who may be driving in an unsafe manner,” said Illinois State Police Lieutenant Shane Avley. “We will especially be watching for drivers committing any of the Fatal Four moving violations.”
Fatal Four Driving Violations
The four fatal driving violations that Lt. Avley is referencing are all actions that significantly increase your risk of suffering a serious injury during a car crash. They are:
- Driving drunk
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to wear a seat belt
Police will be looking for all four of these poor driving decisions, but extra enforcement throughout the weekend will be looking for some violations more than others. Tonight is one of the most dangerous nights for drunk driving, because many people return home the night before Thanksgiving, and oftentimes they head out to the bars to catch up with friends. Cops will be on the lookout for drunk drivers tonight between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., so please make sure you plan ahead and get a sober ride home.
Thursday, the extra attention will shift from looking for drunk drivers to spotting distracted drivers. Millions of cars will be on the road in Illinois on Thursday, and all it takes is a momentary lapse in judgment to cause an accident. Put the phones away, and limit other distractions when you’re driving to and from your Thanksgiving destinations, and always be sure to buckle up.
Once night falls, police will once again begin looking for drunk drivers, and this pattern will continue throughout Black Friday and the whole holiday weekend.
So if you’re heading out to visit friends or family this weekend, or you just want to do some shopping and check some items off your Christmas list, please practice safe driving habits. You and everyone else on the road deserves to make it to their destination in one piece. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend, and if you end up with a citation or in handcuffs, don’t hesitate to call Appelman Law day or night. We will be answering our phones throughout the weekend in the event you need our assistance. Have a great Thanksgiving!