SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding motorists to refrain from drinking and driving and to use their safety belts during this Fourth of July holiday weekend.
White said that 27 people were killed on Illinois roads last year during the Fourth of July weekend. Of those 27 fatalities, 7 were alcohol-related.
"Please celebrate the holiday safely and remember to wear your safety belt. It is your best defense against a drunk driver," White said. "If you are going to consume alcohol at a party, please be responsible and use a designated driver. We want this holiday weekend to be enjoyable and safe for all."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately 560 deaths will occur on the nation's roadways during this year's 3-day Fourth of July holiday weekend and that a majority (55 percent) will involve impaired drivers. White said his office would work with other law enforcement agencies in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities in Illinois.
White will put additional Secretary of State Police on patrol throughout the state this weekend. In addition, Secretary of State Police will also participate in roadside safety checks.
"Secretary of State Police will be on duty throughout Illinois to ticket and arrest unsafe and drunk drivers," White said. "We want to do everything we can to make the roads as safe as possible this weekend."
PROGRAMS