CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois officials are issuing a warning about drinking and driving this Halloween weekend.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police said Thursday they have a simple message for revelers: "Keep the party off the road."
They say law enforcement agencies statewide are stepping up patrols and will have zero tolerance for impaired drivers.
Officials say 16 people have died and 1,474 have been injured in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween in Illinois between 2010 and 2014. Five of those deaths resulted from crashes involving alcohol.
IDOT Director of Traffic Safety Jared Thornley says too often partygoers don't plan ahead and choose a sober driver.
He says: "Planning for a safe ride home should be part of everyone's party preparations."
