University News

Holiday Safety Tips

November 17, 2014

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MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (OPS) would like to remind individuals to safeguard personal property by locking offices, desks and residence hall room doors, as well as their vehicles and homes off campus, and to travel safely during the busy holiday season.

• Residence hall rooms, office doors and homes should be locked when the occupant(s) leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.
• Don't leave backpacks, purses, bags, books and other items unattended.
• Avoid leaving items in plain view in a vehicle overnight; lock vehicles at all times.

Before leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday break weekend (or any extended period of time), off-campus residents should ensure their doors and windows are locked; leave a porch light on; and ask someone to check on the property.

OPS Director Scott Harris also encourages members of the WIU community to buckle up when traveling, especially during busy holiday travel days, such as the upcoming Thanksgiving break. The Illinois Department of Transportation, with the cooperation of Illinois law enforcement agencies, will sponsor a "Click It or Ticket" campaign during the holiday season, according to Illinois State Police District No. 14 Trooper Dan Hill.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most traveled holiday period of the year is Thanksgiving weekend, and DUI arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year's weekend. Thanksgiving Eve is referred to as "Black Wednesday," as it may be the busiest night of the year for nightclubs and bars.

"The National Safety Council estimates there will be over 400 traffic related fatalities from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30, and more than 40,000 injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents. I'd like to remind our students, faculty and staff to drive safely as they travel over the holidays," Harris added. "The Office of Public Safety wishes everyone a happy, and safe, Thanksgiving."


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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