Nov. 24 — DIXON — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to wear their seat belts and drive alert this holiday season.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is joining forces with the Illinois State Police to combat unsafe driving this Thanksgiving with their “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” law enforcement campaigns on Friday, November 22 , until Monday, Dec. 2

The campaigns are aimed at promoting safe driving, helping to reduce car accidents, injuries and deaths. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, seat belt usage rates in the state are 92.4 percent, but IDOT said it can be improved.

According to the Secretary of State’s 2024 DUI Information Registry:

* The average DUI offender is arrested between 11pm and 4am on the weekend.

* 294 people died in alcohol-related crashes, about 23 percent of the state’s 1,268 crash deaths.

* 21,975 DUI arrests were recorded by the Secretary of State’s office.

* 91% of all drivers arrested for DUI who were eligible lost their driving privileges.

* 240 drivers under the age of 21 lost their driving privileges for violating the Zero Tolerance law.

* 25% of those arrested for DUI were women, representing 50% of all licensed drivers.

* Males between the ages of 25 and 34 had the highest DUI arrest rate (about 6 per 1,000 licensed drivers).

* 87% of all drivers arrested for DUI are first offenders.

Authorities are reminding drivers that if they plan to celebrate with alcohol or other harmful substances, they should:

* Make arrangements for a sober driver before you leave.

* Use public transportation services such as buses or taxis, or call a family member or friend for a ride.

* Report all drunk drivers by calling 911.

* Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt.

Both enforcement campaigns are made possible using federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.