Illinois State Police Encourages Drivers to Avoid the Fatal Four

 Posted on December 17, 2015 in DUI

We are in the middle of the holiday season, and that often means more drivers on the roads. It also means office parties, family get-togethers, and special events that can amp up our propensity to drink, speed, or attempt to do too much all at once. Illinois State Police officers are encouraging everyone to stay safe, think twice, and avoid the fatal four moving violations: drinking and driving, speeding, forgetting seatbelts, and being a distracted driver.

Drinking and Driving (DUI)

It is difficult to find a holiday event without some form of alcohol. State officers expect and understand as much. What they will not allow is for you to have a few drinks and then get behind the wheel of a car – not without giving you a moving violation for driving while under the influence.

Alcohol consumption slows down your ability to react, impairs the fine motor skills needed to safely operate a vehicle, and can alter your perception of time and spice. It can also alter your visual abilities. Mesh all of this together with nighttime driving or extra drivers on the road, and you become potentially fatal to yourself and everyone around you. Keep everyone safe by ensuring you have a sober driver.

Distracted Driving

Whether it is arguing with unruly children, messing with the radio, or using your cell phone to access directions or send a text, distracted driving is dangerous! All it takes is a moment. A pedestrian, an out of control car, a vehicle rushing through a red or yellow light . . . all have the potential to change your life forever.

Avoid distractions by putting away your cellular phone (turn it off, if necessary). Occupy children with toys, games, or other activities. And do not practice habits like eating, changing the radio station, or reaching for objects while driving.

Speeding

Speeding can seem like a good idea when you are running late, but speeding can cost you your life. Limits are in place to ensure everyone is operating according to risk factors – stop lights, traffic volume, pedestrians, and children are just some of the deciding elements. Going faster than that limit hinders your ability to stop on time, and it increases the odds of a serious or fatal accident.

Seatbelts

More and more people are wearing their seatbelts, but are still entirely too many that fail to utilize these life-saving devices. Whether it is you or your children, a drive around the corner or across the country, a seatbelt (or appropriate car seat) should be used every trip, every time.

Traffic Violation over the Holidays? Seek Help from an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Because the risk is so high, there are more officers out and about, and there are driver checkpoints to ensure the roads stay as safe as possible. If you happened to have received a moving violation, it is important to seek the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, works hard to put clients at ease. Dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcomes, he handles felony and misdemeanor moving violations, as well as DUI violations. Contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney today. Call 847-253-3400 today for your free initial consultation.

Source:

https://thetelegraph.com/news/74357/illinois-state-police-urge-driver-safety-during-holidays