Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reminded motorists who are celebrating our Country’s independence to be sure to drive safely, by not drinking and driving this Fourth of July holiday weekend.
“Drunk driving results in death and injury on our roadways every year,” White said. “Let’s keep the roads safe by making sure our drivers are sober.”
Secretary of State Police will be conducting DUI patrols during the holiday weekend, said White.
[Editor’s note: The State of Illinois Police force receives Federal grant money to fund extra holiday patrols. The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and Morrison Police Department do not. However local law enforcement, “as usual, will be enforcing DUI checks,” as they do “365 days a year.”]
White suggests those participating in celebrations involving alcohol take public transportation, a cab, or designate a sober driver. He also reminds drivers to use safety belts.
- In 2013, 33 % of the fatalities, six out of 18 deaths, were alcohol-related during the 4th of July holiday in Illinois.
- In 2012, 50 % of the fatalities, two out of four deaths, were alcohol-related. Eighty-six percent of all drivers arrested for DUI that year were first offenders.
- According to the National Highway Transportation Administration an average of one alcohol-related fatality occurs every 53 minutes.
- A DUI conviction can cost the driver more than $16,000 in legal fees, court costs, and insurance.