Motorists Urged to Celebrate Safely this St. Patrick’s Day

The West Chicago Police Department announced they will be conducting special patrols this St. Patrick’s Day holiday to crack down on drunk drivers as well as unbuckled motorists. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaigns will run March 13 – 17, 2014.

“Too often, St. Patrick’s Day can be a deadly and dangerous time on our roadways because of drunk driving,” said Traffic Safety Unit Sergeant Spencer Kroning. “If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a sober driver before the party begins. Be responsible or risk a DUI.”

In addition to looking for drunk drivers, the West Chicago Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest.

Always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are two simple steps to help avoid a tragic accident or an arrest for drunk driving. Other important tips include:

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in a drunk driving crash;
• Make sure all of your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers;
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party;
• Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys;
• If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk;
• Always buckle up – it is still your best defense against a drunk driver.

“Driving drunk is a deadly decision and it is against the law. We will show zero tolerance,” said Kroning. “So remember, designate a sober driver before the party begins and always buckle up.”

The St. Patrick’s Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaigns are funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.