­State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) passed a measure last Wednesday that would create a grant program aimed at preventing DUI offenses and supporting victims involved in DUI-related crashes. “The deaths of two Illinois State Troopers in the last month have demonstrated just how serious of an issue safety on Illinois’ roads has become,” Sandoval said. “It’s time for immediate action to make Illinois a safer place to travel.” Senate Bill 728 creates the DUI Prevention and Education Fund from which grants will be distributed for crash victim programs and materials, impaired driving prevention programs, law enforcement support and other DUI-related programs. Funding for these grants will come from the Illinois Department of Transportation’s currently unused Roadside Memorial Fund. No additional revenue will be raised to pay for the program. “With the availability of new ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, there’s just no excuse for driving under the influence anymore,” Sandoval said. “It’s time to make drunk driving a thing of the past in Illinois.” The measure passed the Illinois Senate 58-0. It will now go before the House of Representatives.