By Illinois Radio Network/Jim Moran
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers to be safe over Labor Day weekend.
The roadways are expected to be busy for travelers this weekend with gas prices nationwide at a three-year low this weekend. With the low prices, more drivers are expected to travel over the course of the holiday weekend.
IDOT spokesman Guy Tridgell said the Illinois State Police, along with local law enforcement agencies across the state, will be out in force this weekend.
Tridgell said law enforcement officers will be targeting the times when people are most likely to be on the road while impaired.
“Overnight hours certainly are an emphasis,” he said.
However, police will be out throughout the day and night.
Tridgelll said the weekend was a “pretty significant law enforcement period.”
Historically, Illinois has had anywhere between ten to twenty traffic-related fatalities over the Labor Day weekend Tridgell said up to half of those deaths involve alcohol. He called them “completely avoidable.”
ISP Public Information Officer Mindy Carroll said state troopers will be focusing this weekend on “The Fatal Four” traffic violations: driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts. Carroll said these violations are “the primary causes for fatal crashes.”
Carroll also reminded drivers to be mindful of Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to slow down, and if possible, move over a lane, while approaching a stopped emergency or other vehicles with flashing lights.
IDOT said all non-emergency roadwork will be suspended over the holiday weekend. Even without the workers, Carroll said construction zone speed limits still apply “because we’re not just trying to protect the workers, we’re trying to protect the motorists.”
