Drive merry, bright and sober this holiday season

Drive merry, bright and sober this holiday season
With the holidays in full swing, the Decatur Police Department is partnering with the
Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired
driving. From December 16th through January 2nd, law enforcement across Illinois will
step up enforcement efforts with a high visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and
“Drive High. Get a DUI.” traffic safety campaign.
“We want everyone in our communities to enjoy the holidays without worrying about the
dangers of impaired drivers,” said Sgt. Steve Hagemeyer. “During the campaign, you can
expect to see extra safety patrols. We will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drugimpaired driving to help ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday festivities
safely.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis
Reporting System, in 2020, a total of 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes
involving an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed
each year from 2016 to 2020, with one person killed in an alcohol-related crash every 45
minutes in 2020.
Before the holiday fun begins, make a plan for a sober ride home and remember these
tips:
• Designate a sober driver or make a plan to use public transportation or a ridesharing service to get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road call 911.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make
arrangements to get them home safely. They’ll thank you later.
• Always buckle up!
The holiday enforcement campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety
funds managed by NHTSA.