As Thanksgiving approaches, Illinois law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols to ensure road safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement is focusing on seat belt use and impaired driving through Dec. 2, according to a community announcement.

Hundreds of enforcement zones and patrols will be in place to catch seat belt-law violators and impaired drivers.

Impaired driving carries severe consequences

Driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis is illegal and dangerous, said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT.

"Buckling up is your best defense in a crash," Seck-Birhame said. "This Thanksgiving, we’re asking everyone to ‘Cl

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