Patrolling to keep the holiday safe

As the Thanksgiving holiday nears, the Illinois State Police hope that people will keep their minds on their driving at least as much as the turkey and trimmings.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and celebration, and it is the goal of the state police and all police agencies to reduce traffic crashes and help ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely. To achieve this goal the state police will be conducting the "Alive on the I's" enforcement initiative on the seasons two busiest travel days (Wednesday, Nov. 21 and Sunday Nov. 25).

Motorists traveling on Illinois' interstate roadways will see a large increase in the number of troopers who will be watching closely for drunk and drugged drivers while diligently enforcing the speed limit and other hazardous driving laws. Troopers will also be working to ensure drivers and passengers are "buckled up".

Locally, state police officers will be conducting traffic enforcement patrols and seat belt enforcement zones in DeKalb, Lake, McHenry, Kane and DuPage Counties where six motorists sadly and tragically lost their lives in traffic crashes during last year's Thanksgiving season. As always, we rely on your help to accomplish this goal.

If you see a drunk driver, please report them by dialing 911 from your cell phone.

If alcohol will be part of your celebrations, remember to drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Buckle up each and every time and know that by taking this simple step you reduce the chances of fatal injury to yourself and your front seat passenger by 45 percent.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Captain Jeff Hedrich

District 2 Commander

Illinois State Police