DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — With St. Patrick's Day around the corner, Illinoisans will be celebrating with parades and parties — maybe even a green beer or two.
To keep the roads safe, departments are teaming up with the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign.
“Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol consumption will increase both that day and throughout the weekend,” said Sgt. Steve Hagemeyer of the Decatur Police Department. “We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, starting with a plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house.”
St. Patrick’s Day can be a dangerous one on America’s roads due to increased alcohol consumption and drunk driving. There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday between 2017 and 2021.
In Decatur, police will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and all traffic laws will be strictly enforced.
Whether you’re attending a party, hosting friends or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is sober. Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.
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