Effingham – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, is reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions for upcoming holiday travel. Troopers are responsible for the safety of more than 20,000 miles of the state’s roads and highways. The Memorial Day holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel periods for motorists and millions of drivers are expected to hit the roadways and interstates.
The Memorial holiday enforcement period overlaps with the statewide Click it or Ticket safety campaign which began on Monday, May 15, and runs through Wednesday, May 31. District 12 will focus on achieving zero fatalities by strictly enforcing the four most deadly traffic violations (Fatal Four): Speeding, DUI, Failure to Wear Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving.
Last year, the ISP issued 3,204 tickets for speeding violations during the four-day holiday period from Friday through Monday. During the same time period, there were 196 DUI arrests; 732 seatbelt violations; and 229 distracted driving violations.
The most simple things you can do to protect yourself while traveling are to avoid distractions, slow down, wear your seatbelt and drive sober. Focus on the task at hand – driving. Please consider the safety of everyone when traveling over the holiday period, said Captain Ristvedt. Safely enjoy the unofficial beginning of summer, he added.
The ISP is reminding motorists of the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to “Slow Down and Move Over” when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights. Drivers must yield the right-of-way by changing lanes if possible; reduce speed and proceed with caution if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe. This law now applies to motorists on the shoulder with hazard lights on as well.
Alcohol is a leading factor in fatal traffic crashes, especially during celebratory weekends. Please do your part to help keep the roadways safe by planning ahead and designating a sober driver, calling a cab, or using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. If we all do our part, we can make this holiday the safest one ever.
