Illinois Authorities Urge Safe Super Bowl Weekend with Increased Patrols
Springfield, Ill. – As Super Bowl weekend begins , the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police (ISP) are collaborating with local law enforcement agencies across the state to emphasize the importance of safe driving. The joint campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket,” will run through .
The initiative aims to prevent impaired driving and ensure all motorists are buckled up. Authorities are urging football fans and partygoers to plan ahead for a safe ride home if their celebrations involve alcohol or cannabis. “Before the game begins, designate a driver or make other arrangements for a safe, sober ride so that you, your passengers and everyone on our roads can return home safely,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Driving impaired is the worst decision you can make. It’s also 100% avoidable.”
Officials emphasize that impairment isn’t limited to alcohol. Cannabis and even prescription or over-the-counter medications can impair judgment and reaction time, making driving dangerous.
Increased patrols and traffic safety enforcement will be visible throughout the state during the campaign period. The Lombard Police Department announced additional patrols will be conducted from through the early morning hours of .
The Elmwood Park Police Department also reminded residents to not let friends drive impaired, and to ensure all guests have a safe ride home if hosting a Super Bowl party. Chief Andrew Hock stated, “Even one drink or hit can impair judgment. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk with the choice to drive impaired.”
Tips for a Safe Super Bowl Weekend
Authorities are offering several recommendations for a safe celebration:
- Designate a sober driver, utilize public transportation, or use a ride-sharing service.
- If hosting a party, ensure designated drivers have a safe ride home and serve non-alcoholic beverages.
- Stop serving alcohol towards the end of the third quarter, similar to stadium practices, and offer coffee or dessert afterward.
- If you see an impaired driver, contact law enforcement when This proves safe to do so.
- If a friend is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe alternative.
- Always buckle up – it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself.
The Illinois State Police Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen added, “If you drink, don’t drive, and make sure to buckle up, otherwise you could face a penalty flag that could cost you the game.”
Beyond driving, authorities also caution against walking while impaired and encourage designating a sober friend to walk home with you.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are funded by federal highway safety dollars administered by IDOT. This Super Bowl safety campaign also coincides with the “It’s Not a Game” radio, digital and TV campaign, which focuses on the dangers of distracted driving.
