The Illinois Department of Transportation is warning the public to keep New Year’s celebrations off the road.

State and local police are stepping up patrols this weekend and will be on the lookout for drunk drivers and those not buckled up.

The efforts will include DUI and distracted driving patrols as well as roadside safety checks and seatbelt enforcement zones.

Illinois is experiencing its second straight year of more than 1,000 motor vehicle deaths. Last year 1,078 people died in vehicle crashes on Illinois roads.

There have been 46 fatalities during the New Year’s holiday over the past 5 years 41 percent of those deaths involved alcohol.

Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz is urging anyone who sees an unsafe driver to call 911 and report them.