Illinois State Police (ISP) District 10 officials are reminding young drivers to think responsibly as they celebrate during the upcoming prom and graduation season. Our primary safety message is in the word PROM which asks teens to “Please Return On Monday.”
During the next several months, Illinois State Police District 10 Troopers will be conducting high visibility patrols with aggressive enforcement of the Fatal Four violations: DUI, Speeding, Seat Belt, and Distracted Driving, with a focus on DUI violations.
“Our goal is to modify teen driving behaviors which include distractions, carelessness, fatigue, inexperience, and the sense of invincibility. These behaviors, when combined with drugs or alcohol can be lethal” said District 10 Lieutenant John Wenzel.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2014 over 131 teens were involved in fatal crashes. The major reason teens are killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes are: lack of safety belt use, speed, distraction, impaired driving or lack of experience. In 2015, there were 135 teen fatalities due to traffic crashes in Illinois.
In addition to the directed patrols, Seat Belt Enforcement Zones will also be conducted. The goal of these concentrated efforts is voluntary compliance. With the motoring public’s assistance, we can help ensure this year’s prom and graduation memories are positive ones. Think responsibly, buckle up and don’t use alcohol or drugs.
