Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 officials are reminding young drivers to think responsibly as they celebrate during the upcoming prom and graduation season. Our primary safety message is in the word PROM which asks teens to “Please Return On Monday.”
Now that prom and graduation season is upon us, area high school students will soon be participating in celebrations that occur not only at school but at private locations. During the next couple of weeks, ISP District 19 Troopers will be conducting high visibility patrols with aggressive enforcement of the Fatal Four violations: DUI, Speeding, Seat Belt, and Distracted Driving, with an emphasis on DUI violations.
“We understand that prom and graduation celebrations are very exciting times for our area high school students and their families, but we also know this can be a very dangerous time for young drivers,” stated ISP District 19 Captain Cory Ristvedt. “With that in mind, please enjoy yourselves and the positive memories that will be made over the next several weeks, but make your celebrations safe by avoiding the use of alcohol and drugs,” he added.
We want to modify teen driving behaviors which include distractions, carelessness, fatigue, and inexperience. These behaviors, when combined with drugs or alcohol, can be lethal. Car crashes kill more teens during the weekends of prom and graduation season than any other time of year.
Seat Belt Enforcement Zones will also be conducted in addition to directed patrols. The goal of these concentrated efforts is voluntary compliance. With the motoring public’s assistance, we can help ensure this year’s prom and graduation memories are positive ones. Think responsibly, put the phone down, buckle up, and don’t use alcohol or drugs.
