The Thanksgiving holiday should be a joyous time for all families in America, but far too often the celebration turns to tragedy on our highways.

Everyone driving on our roads this holiday week should drive carefully and defensively, don’t drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up each and every trip.

To lose a loved one is a terrible thing to experience, especially during America’s family holiday; but to lose one’s life when it might have been saved by taking a few seconds to buckle a seat belt is truly senseless.

When you’re in your vehicle, whether for long trips or short, please remember to buckle up every trip, every time.

To ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely, the Illinois State Police will once again conduct the “Alive on the I’s” enforcement initiative on the season’s two busiest travel days (Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 30). Motorists traveling on Illinois interstate highways will see a large increase in the number of troopers patrolling the highways who will be watching closely for impaired drivers, drivers and passengers who are not buckled up, speeding and aggressive drivers.

Locally, State Police officers will be conducting traffic enforcement patrols and seat belt enforcement zones in DeKalb, Lake, McHenry, Kane and Dupage counties with the support and assistance of county and local law enforcement agencies.

I am happy to report that during last year’s Thanksgiving weekend, no fatal crashes occurred within the five-county area. Our goal is to repeat last year’s success, but as always, your help is needed.

Report drunk drivers by calling 911 from your cell phone. Drink responsibly, and use or be a designated driver. Buckle up and make sure your passengers are wearing seat belts.

The Illinois State Police wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Captain Jeff Hedrich,
Illinois State Police

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