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State Police Expect Busy Thanksgiving Weekend On The Roads

CHICAGO (CBS) -- With more people expected to be driving this Thanksgiving weekend than last year, Illinois State Police will be watching even more closely for drunken and distracted drivers.

"We're going to have aggressive driving details out, we are going to have DUI enforcement details going on, roadside safety checks. So we are going to do our part to make the holiday safe for everyone," said State Police Lt. David Byrd.

According to Byrd, distracted driving is the number one cause for collisions in the state. He's not only seen people texting while driving; but eating, doing their makeup, shaving, even reading.

"There are so many different things that go on in the vehicle while people are in transit to and from their destinations that really shouldn't be occurring." he said.

The Illinois Tollway is preparing for about 8.3 million vehicles on the roads this weekend. The busiest day is expected to be Wednesday, when 1.7 million vehicles are expected on the road.

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