Illinois Police Increasing Patrols Over New Year’s Holiday

Illinois authorities are stepping up traffic enforcement and reminding motorists to drive sober over the New Year's holiday.

Illinois State Police say they're joining with the Illinois Department of Transportation and nearly 200 local law enforcement agencies to add patrols and keep roads safe. The extra enforcement started Thursday and continues through Tuesday.

IDOT safety programs chief Cynthia Watters says six people died on Illinois roads over the last New Year's holiday and four of those were alcohol-related.

"It's everyone's responsibility to make good decision before getting behind the wheel," said Watters in a news release. "It really is a matter of life or death, yours as well as others."

ISP Director Leo Schmitz says in addition to stopping people suspected of drunk driving, officers also will have zero tolerance for speeding, people not wearing seatbelts, distracted driving and other offenses.

"Our troopers will be doing their part to keep roadways safe by strictly enforcing all laws with a focus on seat belt usage, as well as reckless, impaired and sitracted drivers," said Schmitz. "We ask drivers to please make this holiday safe for all travelers by driving sober and making responsible choices before getting behind the wheel."

State Police and IDOT are promoting four main steps to avoid accidents: assign a designated driver if your group plans to drink or use any impairing drugs or substances; never drive when impaired by alcohol or other drugs; use a community sober ride program if available, or call a cab or use a riseshare app; and if you see a friend or family member who is about to drive impaired, take their keys away and help them get home safely.