Too many cookies? Not a problem. Too much booze? That could get you arrested this holiday season.
Evanston police say they plan to focus on late-night traffic enforcement through the holidays in a program funded by a federal grant — because data from the state transportation department shows the midnight to 3 a.m. time frame is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways — and the time when the highest percentage of drivers are alcohol impaired or not wearing seat belts.
Over the four-day Christmas holiday weekend last year four people died and 775 were injured on Illinois roads. For the four-day New Year’s weekend, the count was six dead and 477 injuried. Of the total of 10 deaths, four occurred in accidents involving an impaired driver.
Police urge using a designated, sober driver for holiday travel, or calling a taxi or using mass transit to get home safely.