Joyce urges drivers to use caution during winter weather

• IDOT
• ISP
• Transportation

PARK FOREST – With winter weather approaching, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) echoes the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway in reminding drivers to prepare for winter driving conditions.

“As we head into the winter, I am asking drivers to start thinking about safe winter driving,” Joyce said. “The preparations and plans you make today can keep you and other drivers safe in the months ahead.”

Drivers should be mindful of winter driving skills and build extra time into their schedules during the winter months. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:

• Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com to check travel conditions 24/7.
• Wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois and your best defense if you are involved in a crash.
• Drop it and drive. Put down the devices – it, too, is the law.
• Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, check the weather forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route. Familiarize yourself with public transportation options.
• Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking are required throughout the winter.
• Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. Even if you see them, they may not see you. Any plow that’s hit must be pulled out of service, resulting in one less resource available to clear the roads.
• Watch out for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be treacherous.
• Be especially careful when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas. All are prone to icing.
• Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency. For emergency assistance in the Chicago area, call *999.
• Give first responders and stranded drivers plenty of space. Obey the Move Over Law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching any stopped vehicle with flashing lights.
• For more winter driving tips, check out this short IDOT video.

For more information on preparing for winter weather, visit IDOT.Illinois.gov.

Joyce encourages residents in need of support to reach out

• In District
• COVID-19

PARK FOREST – During these unprecedented times, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is continuing to serve the community by answering constituents’ most pressing questions and keeping everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information.

“My office is ready and available to help folks navigate the rapidly changing COVID-19 updates and the programs and relief available to them,” Joyce said. “During this extremely difficult time, it is important that we all work together to stay safe and healthy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.”

Senator Joyce’s staff is working remotely at this time. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered.

For help locating resources related to unemployment, food, shelter and other needs, Senator Joyce encourages folks to call his district office at 708-756-0882, his Springfield office at 217-782-7419, or email his staff here.

To get the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19 straight to their inbox, people are encouraged to sign up for Senator Joyce’s newsletter here. The Illinois Senate Democrats also rolled out a COVID-19 webpage, which outlines closures, family resources, the governor’s daily briefing and more. To find it, click here.

Joyce reminds residents to get a flu shot during National Influenza Vaccination Week

• Flu Shot
• National Influenza Vaccination Week

PARK FOREST – With flu season underway, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is spreading awareness about National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is observed from Dec. 6-12, and encourages residents to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

“This year, getting a flu shot is particularly important, given that both flu and COVID-19 will continue to pose risks to our health this winter,” said Joyce, a member of the Senate Public Health Committee. “Getting a flu shot is the best defense we have against the flu and will help reduce the tremendous burden our health care system is facing.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), flu season occurs from late fall to early spring, with activity usually peaking in January or February. IDPH recommends everyone 6 months of age and older gets a flu vaccine every season.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great reminder that there is still time to get vaccinated to help you stay healthy,” Joyce said. “In addition to a flu shot, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others against the spread of the flu and COVID-19 by staying home, washing your hands and wearing a mask.”

Flu shots are provided at many local health departments, private health care providers and pharmacies across Illinois. It is recommended you contact your health care provider about what form of flu vaccine you should receive. Click here to find the local health department where you live. You can also find locations that offer flu shots using Vaccine Finder.

Joyce: Giving Tuesday underway despite COVID-19 challenges

• Giving Tuesday

PARK FOREST – As local organizations across the state band together once again to promote charitable giving, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging those who are able to give back to their communities this Giving Tuesday.

“Many charitable organizations are having a hard time serving those in need amid the pandemic,” Joyce said. “Fortunately, the pandemic is motivating a lot of generosity, and with Giving Tuesday underway, I hope people will find creative ways to give back this holiday season to help those struggling.”

Giving Tuesday, created in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good, has since grown into a global movement for charitable giving on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Joyce encourages folks willing and able to consider reaching out to a local charitable organization to ask how they can help. These organizations may include animal shelters, blood banks, or other groups serving children and youth, artists, small businesses, restaurant workers, homeless individuals, and more.

To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit https://hq.givingtuesday.org.