State police starting holiday-related patrols

State police starting holiday-related patrols

SUBMITTED BY BRIDGET R. RICEISP, iLLINOIS sTATE pOLICE, dU qUOIN

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Illinois State Police District 13 Commander Casey Faro is warning the public that enforcement efforts ramping up to Thanksgiving weekend are already beginning.

The primary focus of District 13 personnel in these patrols will be the so-called "Fatal Four" violations: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; distracted driving; speeding; and failure to wear a seat belt.

These violations are called the "Fatal Four" because statistically, they are the violations that frequently result in crashes becoming fatal.

Troopers are also aggressively enforcing Scott's Law violations, which have claimed the lives of three troopers this year alone, and caused injuries to several other troopers.

Scott's Law requires drivers to move over for any emergency vehicles on the road. The law was named in honor of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a crash.

Faro said the practical thing for drivers to do is find a sober driver if you have been drinking; focus on your driving; follow the speed limits, especially in construction zones; and make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up before it moves.

Illinois District 13 personnel encourage you to drive and arrive safely.