Watch out this holiday weekend motorists.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning drivers local and state law enforcement will be out in force for the 4th of July holiday.

According to IDOT this holiday enforcement effort actually began on June 17th and culminates this weekend. State Police and local law enforcement statewide have scheduled 200 DUI checkpoints and 300 nighttime safety belt enforcement zones. These checkpoints are in addition to the large police presence that will be patrolling roads around the state this weekend.

“The number of fatalities and injuries on Illinois roadways has declined in recent years due to many factors including effective traffic safety programs, excellent safety engineering, strategic partnerships with law enforcement and the fact that more motorists are buckling up today than ever before,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig via press release. “Even with these accomplishments, however, impaired driving is still responsible for far too many motor vehicle deaths and injuries across Illinois. IDOT stands firm in its goal to eradicate the senseless act of drinking and driving on Illinois roadways.”

Historic crash data from 2009 indicates 319 people (35% of all motor vehicle fatalities) in Illinois died in vehicle crashes which a drunk driver was at the wheel.

So drive safely this weekend. Wear your seat belt and for God’s sake don’t drink and drive.

Happy Independence Day everyone.