AAA Chicago Motor Club anticipates 2.5 million people in Illinois will travel for the holiday weekend. 2.3 million are expected to drive between Wednesday and Sunday.
That has state and local law enforcement agencies urging drivers to remember to always buckle-up, put away cell phones, and never drink and drive.
Tonight is also one of the biggest party nights of the year. Illinois State Police Trooper Ross Green says those going out to celebrate with friends also need a plan in place for getting home:
“Don’t take those times when you know you shouldn’t be driving to get into a vehicle and face the consequences either that being arrested for a DUI or being in a serious personal injury crash or even taking the life of another by making that mistake.”
Last year there were 17 traffic-related deaths across the state during Thanksgiving break. State and local law enforcement have increased patrols to crack down on impaired drivers and those failing to buckle up. The enforcement campaign continues through Sunday.