Chicago car accident, boating accidents, a Fourth of July danger
Authorities will be on the road this weekend, looking for offenders and working to reduce the number of Fourth of July car accidents in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Illinois State Police have announced a crackdown aimed at drunk drivers and speeders, while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be patrolling state parks and the waters, where Illinois boating accidents will be a primary concern. Thirteen people were killed in fatal Illinois car accidents during the Fourth of July holiday last year -- five of those involved drunk drivers. During the last five summers, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 101 of 163 fatalities that have occurred between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. involved a drunk driver.
“July 4th is a great time of celebration for our country, but too often, those celebrations can turn deadly because of impaired driving and a failure to buckle up,” said IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig.
The state patrol said it will be giving no breaks to drunk drivers.
“Holiday weekends provide a great opportunity for family and friends to gather and celebrate, but the festivities are often short-lived when someone chooses to drive impaired,” said ISP Acting Director Jonathon Monken. "Our goal is to make the roads safer by taking a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to impaired drivers."
Impaired boating is also a concern over the holiday, with July Fourth marking the very height of Illinois' boating season.
“Alcohol use is one of the leading factors in fatal recreational boating accidents nationwide," said IDNR Director Marc Miller. "We certainly want people to have a good time on the water but we have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence."
State officials offer motorists and following safety tips:
Plan ahead and designate a driver.
If impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or phone a friend to get home safely.
Use community designated driver programs.
Report impaired drivers by pulling over and calling 911.
Wear your seat belt.
If you are involved in an Illinois car accident or boating accident over the Fourth of July weekend, contact the Chicago accident lawyers at the VanPopering Law Offices for a free appointment to discuss your case. 1-800-767-4878.
