Director's Pen

 

Local television stations are predicting a winter much like we experienced last year. Do you remember bitter cold temperatures, miserable wind chills and too much snow? Let’s hope they are wrong! However, while we are experiencing nice weather, take the time to prepare for roadway emergencies. Have your vehicle mechanically checked and start gathering the necessary items for emergencies.

 

Winter emergency kits should include: blankets, candles, matches, empty tin can to be used to hold a lit candle, flashlight, water, gloves, ice scraper, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter (to throw under wheels for traction), flares, first aid kit and non-perishable food. If you think of anything else that might be useful, add them, it is better to be safe than sorry. Don’t take any chances, be prepared for this winter.

 

Every Labor Day, all 50 states, and several US territories, join forces to alert the motoring public of the dangers of driving impaired. This year, Illinois promoted the new USDOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s slogan, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Although progress has been made in reducing impaired driving-related traffic fatalities, much more work needs to be done. This year, more than 300 Illinois law enforcement agencies conducted roadside safety checks and DUI saturation patrols during the Labor Day campaign. While the numbers are not complete, all indicators point to a successful 2011 campaign with fewer lives lost.

 

To kick off this year’s Labor Day campaign, nine press events were held throughout the state. IDOT/DTS staff, assisted by the Illinois State Police, Secretary of State and other agencies, conducted controlled “wet labs” where local radio deejays volunteered to consume alcohol in a controlled environment. The volunteers soon realized how easily only a few drinks could impair their abilities to function. Many of the “wet labs” took place on live radio, broadcasting the message to their listeners. At the press events, the deejays were given a standard field sobriety test and then attempted to start a vehicle equipped with a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). These two powerful demonstrations sent a strong message to the residents of Illinois. I want to thank our staff and partners for making this year’s press event a huge success!

 

Speaking of BAIID, you never want one installed on your vehicle! While planning the press events, I, along with several other IDOT staff, volunteered to have these devices installed on our personal vehicles. To schedule installation on this many cars all over the state was a challenge for the technicians. For almost a week, I had to blow into the BAIID to start my vehicle—this was repeated every 15 minutes. In addition to being a nuisance, it was very embarrassing! Imagine reaching down for the device when stopped at a traffic signal or explaining to the car wash attendant the device was put on for demonstration purposes. I can just hear the men saying, “Right, now there is a new excuse, never heard that one!”

From personal experience, you don’t want to experience this device for even one day! So, be smart and always designate a sober driver! Remember to buckle up everyone, every trip, every time and put your cell phones in the glove compartment!

 

Have safe winter!

 

 

 

Michael R. Stout

Director

 

 

 

 

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