From November 21 to November 25, a staggering 2.8 million people will be traveling for the holiday weekend, according to reports from the American Automobile Association (AAA). In fact, officials have determined that the absolute worst times to travel between these days occur from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM on Wednesday, while Chicago officials deemed the worst place to travel over the holiday weekend is Interstate Highway 94 West. Likewise, reporters have indicated that the worst time for travelers to head to O’Hare International Airport (via the Kennedy Expressway) had been from (approximately) 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Wednesday, November 21. Needless to say, Thanksgiving is a uniquely dangerous time to be on the road, especially if you are in a hurry to get to your loved ones. The last thing you want to run into (literally, at some unfortunate times) is a driver who has had far too many drinks to count. Nevertheless, there is one more holiday that has Illinois law enforcement on high alert: Black Friday (for obvious reasons). Let’s take a look at why extra patrols will be scheduled for this infamous day in Indiana and Ohio’s neighbor.
Black Friday, Fury Road
Overall, the National Safety Council estimates that 433 people could die and an additional 49,400 could sustain severe injuries in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) over the holiday weekend. However, police have speculated that the fair weather expected this weekend could work in favor of travelers. While the weather in Illinois was favorable this Thanksgiving, providing travelers with safer driving environments, police are still concerned over the looming black cloud of the holiday shopping horror called Black Friday.
Beefing Up Enforcement
According to recent reports, the Illinois State Police are planning to amp up enforcement of crimes that include speeding, DUI, distracted driving, and safety belt violations. Furthermore, police officers will be on constant standby to catch individuals who are driving erratically and are proven to be intoxicated. Above all else, reporters have emphasized that buzzed driving (no matter how you describe it) is a form of drunk driving. No exceptions will be made.
So what is a solution?
Officials have recommended traveling via bus, train, or ferry (if applicable).
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