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NIU police stepping up enforcement this weekend

June 29, 2015

NIU Police will join with DeKalb and Illinois State Police in conducting roving patrols and roadside safety checks to focus on impaired drivers as part of an Independence Day weekend traffic enforcement effort focusing on drunk and unbuckled drivers.

drive_sober[1]Police are advising drivers to wear their seatbelts, keep their eyes on the road and drive the speed limit. Consider the following information:

  • Late night hours are the most dangerous driving hours, when the highest percentage of motorists die in alcohol-involved crashes and seat belt use is the lowest.
  • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans. Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year.The best defense against a drunk driver is a seat belt. Buckle up – every trip, every time, every vehicle, every position.
  • If you drink, designate a sober driver.

It’s also against Illinois law to use an electronic device while driving. Hands-free technology is allowed for drivers older than 18.