With Thanksgiving right around the corner, travelers will hit Illinois roads to visit and celebrate with family and friends.  The Will County Sheriff's Office reminds all travelers to buckle up, whether they are heading across the state or just across town, to ensure a safe arrival and a happy holiday.

"The risk of being involved in a serious or deadly vehicle crash increases with the number of travelers on the roadways, and the long Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year," said Will County Sheriff's Sgt. Vince Gambino.  "I urge everyone traveling on our state's roads this holiday season to drive carefully, do not drive impaired and, always, buckle up - day or night."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when a front seat occupant of a passenger vehicle wears a seat belt properly, the risk of fatal injury goes down by 45%.  Yet many people still choose to not buckle up and roughly half of our state's and nation's roadway fatalities involved unbelted drivers and passengers.

"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 Sgt. Gambino.  "They are designed to work with your vehicle's technology and keep you safe in the event of a crash."

Illinois law states that everyone, no matter the age or seating position, is required to wear a seat belt.  Children are required to ride in a car seat or booster seat until the age of 8.  Advocates still recommend that children use these seats beyond that age, until the seat belt fits properly as designed for adult occupants. 

November 14 thru 27 is the Illinois Click It or Ticket Campaign.  Buckle up, drive sober, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.  Wearing your seat belt is your best defense against an impaired, distracted or reckless driver.

For more information visit www.idot.illinois.gov

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