FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

September 1, 2004

Elizabeth Kaufman

White Urges Motorists to Celebrate the Labor Day Weekend Safely

CHICAGO — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding driver's not to drink and drive and to use their safety belts during this Labor Day holiday weekend.

• In 2003, 60%, of the Labor Day fatalities in Illinois were alcohol related.

"Drinking and driving is a dangerous combination which often results in a DUI, meaning you face criminal charges, lose your driving privileges, experience financial hardship or even worse injure or kill someone."

• Nationally, 17,013 lives were lost in alcohol-related crashes in 2002. This is the equivalent of:
  • one alcohol-related fatality every 32 minutes
    
  • one alcohol-related injury every 2 minutes

There were 1,420 crash fatalities in Illinois in 2003, 639 of which were alcohol related.

White urged drivers to celebrate the holiday safely by using a designated driver, who abstains from drinking. If drinking is involved in the celebration, White suggests taking public transportation, calling a cab, or staying overnight. White also reminds drivers that your safety belt is often your best defense against a drunk driver.

Secretary of State police will also have DUI patrols during the holiday weekend.