Wheeling cracks down on dangerous holiday driving

Wheeling police are stepping up the late-night fight against impaired drivers and seat belt law violators from throughout the holiday season until Jan. 1.

Impaired driving is a deadly crime still prevalent throughout America, and especially among young males age 21 to 34. During the holiday season, many adults celebrate and enjoy themselves with a couple of drinks, but even one too many increases the risk of a motor vehicle crash while driving a motor vehicle.

Data shows during last year’s Christmas holiday, nine people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes and one of those involved a drinking driver. Additionally, 515 people were injured during the Christmas holiday last year.

Also, data shows that during last year’s New Year’s holiday, six people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes and two of those fatalities involved a drinking driver. Also, 331 people were injured during the New Year’s holiday last year.

To crackdown on impaired driving and safety belt law violators this holiday season, law enforcement in Illinois is placing special emphasis on these dangerous driving practices, during the late-night hours.