Lombard Police offer holiday safe-driving tips
The Illinois Department of Transportation released the statistics below that combined Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays, representing just 11 days.
Total crashes: 7, 831
Total injuries: 2,058
Total fatalities: 21
Percent alcohol related: 43 percent
Average killed per day: 1.9
The Lombard Police suggest the following tips to help keep residents safe during the upcoming holidays:
• Always buckle up. It's the best defense against an impaired driver
• Use designated drivers. Give them a special gift in appreciation of their role.
• Ask party guests to give you their car keys on arrival. Return them only to sober drivers.
• Stop serving alcohol 90 minutes or more before the end of parties. Substitute a desert or hors d'oeuvres to close the party out.
• Make certain all guests leave with a sober driver. Encourage car-pooling and keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy.
• Call 9-1-1 if you suspect another motorist is driving impaired. The call you never make may cost someone their life.
• Remember: Friends do not let friends drive drunk. The total average cost of a DUI in Illinois is approximately $18,000. The highest cost might be a human life.