The Will County Sheriff's Office has once again joined the Illinois Department of Transportation to stop drunk and drug-impaired drivers and to help save lives. The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, often celebrated through picnics, pool parties, and other gatherings. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday also can be one of the deadliest because of motor vehicle crashes related to drinking and driving.
The high-visibility enforcement campaign, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" runs from August 21st through the holiday, Sept. 4th. During this period, law enforcement across the state will show zero tolerance for impaired driving. Officers also will be looking for seat belt law violators.
"Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a massive problem in Illinois with more than 300 people dying annually," said Traffic Division Sgt. Kyle Lakomiak. "Alcohol or drug impaired driving is not acceptable behavior. It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you go out. We make zero exceptions for impaired driving. There are no excuses."
The Sheriff's Office recommends these safe alternatives to driving while impaired:
-Designate a sober driver before you go out.
-Plan to use public transportation or call a cab or Uber.
-If you see a drunk driver on the roadway, contact your local police or the Will County Sheriff's Office.
-Be aware of your friends who may want to drink and drive. Take the keys away and help them get home safely.
The 2017 Labor Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign is funded by federal highway safety funds from NHTSA and managed through IDOT.