Story Published:
Jul 1, 2009 at 5:45 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 1, 2009 at 6:17 PM CDT
With only three days left until the 4th of July weekend, preparations for festivities are underway all over Central Illinois, including making the roadways safer for those attending the fireworks.
Today McLean County announced plans for a "No-Refusal-Weekend."
From Friday through Sunday, any driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol who refuses a breath test... will automatically be tested through blood sample.
Officials say the effort's purpose is not to make more arrests or invade privacy, but to protect those just trying to enjoy the holiday.
"The victims of DUI offenders, the people dying, are the ones going to the fireworks this weekend. Their people going to the grocery store, kids playing on the sidewalk or someone waiting at a bus stop.They're people trying to live their lives in this free country." says Bill Yoder, McLean County State's Attorney
Yoder adds the weekend is also being used to teach the public about a common misconception regarding blood alcohol testing. Under Illinois law, having a driver's license automatically implies consent for breath tests, the refusal of which can result in additional legal charges.
Besides extra police, four assistant states' attorneys and two judges will be on-call this weekend to assist in the effort.
Thursday, Jul 2 at 3:58 PM Umm wrote ...
Bob, if even one person is at risk of getting killed because someone makes the poor decision to drive drunk then yes it is very much needed. Unfortunately the people who decide to have a few drinks (or more) and take the wheel necessitate action like this. If no one ever got behind a wheel while intoxicated this wouldn't be a problem. As you know, that just isn't the case so campaigns like these are (I'm sure in these officials' opinion) the best way to try and combat that. Drive safe everyone!