Sheriff Crouch Warns Against Impaired Driving

As New Year’s celebrations approach, Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch is reminding residents of the serious risks associated with impaired driving during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

In a recently aired radio message, Crouch emphasized that decisions made during holiday festivities can have consequences that extend far beyond the moment. She noted that one poor choice can permanently change lives, and urged anyone who has consumed alcohol to avoid driving and instead use a rideshare service or arrange a safe ride home.

“Every holiday season, we see how one bad decision can permanently change lives,” said Sheriff Crouch. “If you’ve been drinking, do not drive. Plan ahead, arrange a safe ride home, and help protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else sharing the road.”

As holiday traffic increases, safety officials also encourage motorists to remain vigilant and practice defensive driving, particularly during evening and overnight hours when impaired drivers are more likely to be on the road. Drivers are advised to stay alert for erratic behavior such as drifting between lanes, inconsistent speeds, or delayed responses at intersections, and to maintain extra following distance to allow for sudden stops or unexpected movements.

Additional precautions include wearing seat belts at all times, minimizing distractions, obeying posted speed limits, and allowing extra travel time to reduce the temptation to rush. If a motorist believes another driver may be impaired, authorities recommend keeping a safe distance and reporting the behavior to law enforcement when it can be done safely.