(KFVS) - Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider, along with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to be sure and designate a sober driver, especially with the upcoming Super Bowl weekend when friends and families will gather to watch the big game Sunday, February 3.

"We hope everyone enjoys the festivities of Super Bowl Weekend, but we want to remind everyone - before you decide to drink- to choose a sober designated driver," Schneider said. "We want you to hand off your keys to ensure you, your passengers and everyone on our roadways can return home safely. Drunk driving is always preventable, and driving drunk or buzzed could result in seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else. Motorists can expect the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to have a visible presence and to stop anyone who makes the dangerous decision to drink and drive."

(KFVS) - Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider announced Tuesday, January 15 that the Illinois Department of Transportation received a Green Government Award from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, recognizing the department's achievements in the fields of education and outreach, transportation and efficiency and conservation.

The award was presented during the Annual Sustainable Symposium recently held in Springfield.

"We are thrilled to receive this prestigious acknowledgement of our environmental protection efforts," said Secretary Schneider. "Governor Quinn is committed to being a strong leader in conservation, efficiency and environmental citizenship and IDOT is proud to continue to work diligently to be a part of the solution."

(KFVS) - Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are gearing up for the beginning of the holiday travel period.

Police say the cooperative effort is aimed at stepping up enforcement patrols as the holiday season begins to make the roads safe for all drivers.

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the busy holiday driving period which continues through the New Year. Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 25, officials expect high traffic volumes on interstates and roads throughout the region, with Thanksgiving Day expected to be the busiest.  Illinois State Police are urging the traveling public to adhere to the rules of the road and avoid the "Fatal Four" traffic violations: Speeding, DUI, Seatbelts and Distracted Driving.