This Thanksgiving, the Centralia Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and other local law enforcement agencies to ensure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving sober with a “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign that starts today and runs through the 27th.

Centralia Police Chief Chris Locke says Thanksgiving means more vehicles on the road – and an increased risk of crashes.

Chief Locke says no matter how long or short your drive is, remember to buckle up and make sure children are in a safe seat. By buckling up and making a plan for a sober ride home, you help everyone have a safe and happy holiday.

The goal of this high-visibility effort is to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Proper seat-belt use is the most effective way to protect vehicle occupants. According to IDOT, the statewide seatbelt usage rate has room for improvement at 92.9%.

If you’ll be celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you have a safe celebration: plan for a sober ride home before you go out, or call a taxi, take mass transit or ask a family member to get you home safely; use your favorite ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation.

If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.

Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt and all children are secured in an appropriate car seat. It is the best defense against an impaired driver.

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.