For Immediate Release
Mattoon Police Department will participate in an Illinois Saturation Saturday Initiative aimed at drunk drivers and alcohol related traffic offenses.
Mattoon, IL. August 20, 2018 – Mattoon Police Department announced its plans for Saturation Saturday enforcement with a focus of drunk driving and drug and alcohol-related traffic offenses. The enforcement initiative will occur on Saturday, August 25, 2018 in conjunction with the Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign which runs from August 20 through September 4.
Saturation Saturday is a statewide initiative with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Illinois spearheading efforts to raise awareness on the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, and increase enforcement to remove and arrest individuals driving under the influence.
“If you are going to drink, don’t drive,” said Capt. Ray Hall. “Too many people die behind the wheel each year because someone chooses to drive impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Our officers will show zero tolerance with DUI, alcohol related traffic offense, and failure to wear a seat belt.”
Mattoon PD will join state, county and local law enforcement agencies across the State for increased enforcement during the evening hours of August 25. *We will also be dedicating our enforcement efforts in honor of Shirley Jean Graham, whose life was tragically cut short due to an impaired driver. Our community has felt the impact of drunk and drugged driving, and the Saturation Saturday initiative will reinforce our zero tolerance stance with DUI.
“It takes a group effort and teamwork to initiate change. Through the dedicated efforts of law enforcement and organizations like MADD, we have worked to change public perceptions regarding impaired driving. Progress has been made, but there is still much work that needs to be done in the area of this 100% preventable crime,” said Sam Canzoneri, state executive director for MADD Illinois. “We’re honored to join efforts with law enforcement on the Saturation Saturday initiative. We feel that this combined effort will raise awareness in our state and ultimately save lives.”
As the summer season draws to an end, remember some of these important tips:
- Never let family or friends drive drunk
- Give your keys to a designated driver before you go out
- If you are drunk or impaired by alcohol or other drug, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride sharing service or call a sober friend or family member
- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against a drunk/impaired driver.
For more information about Mothers Against Drunk Driving or Saturation Saturday, you can contact Sam Canzoneri, state executive director, at sam.canzoneri@madd.org, or Allison Seys, state program coordinator, at allison.seys@madd.org.
