Full Notification

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, people will soon flock to Illinois roads to visit and celebrate with family and friends. Skokie Police Department reminds all travelers, whether they are heading across the state or just across town, to ensure a safe arrival and a happy holiday by buckling up.

“The risk of being involved in a serious or deadly car crash increases when the number of cars on the road increases, and the long Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Sergeant Richard Wolfer. “I urge everyone traveling on our state’s roadways this holiday season to drive carefully, do not drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up, every trip, every time - day or night.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when a front-seat occupant of a passenger car wears a seat belt properly, the risk of fatal injury goes down by 45 percent.

“Seat belts are the single most important safety device in your vehicle. They have saved countless lives and prevented countless numbers of injuries over the years,” said Sergeant Richard Wolfer.

Illinois motorists should be reminded that a new law took effect January 1, 2012 requiring everyone, no matter the age or seating position, to wear a seat belt. Children are required to ride in a car seat or booster seat until at least age 8.

“For those people who already buckle up every time: Thank you,” said Sergeant Richard Wolfer. “For them, this campaign serves as a reminder. But for those people who still don’t buckle up for whatever reason, I want to say this: buckling your seat belt is one of the simplest, safest things you’ll ever do.”

Remember – November 16-29 is the Illinois Click It or Ticket campaign. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Wearing your seat belt is your best defense against an impaired driver.

For more information about the Click It or Ticket campaign, please visit www.buckleupillinois.org.