Above / Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign will be active on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
UPDATE, March 20, 2017 / The Naperville Police Department made five (5) DUI arrests over the weekend during an enhanced St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort. In addition, four (4) seat belt citations were written — all of which occurred during nighttime hours.
Impaired driving causes tragedies year round. According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,265 people died in impaired driving crashes on our nation’s roads in 2015.
“DUI accidents and arrests are very preventable,” said Sgt. Derek Zook. “Don’t ever get behind the wheel when impaired by alcohol, drugs or both. It takes everyone doing their part to make zero fatalities a reality in Illinois.”
Naperville Police joined forces with other state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners in the St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown.
The enforcement effort was funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.
ORIGINAL POST / St. Patrick’s Day has long celebrated the roots of millions of Americans with Irish ancestry—and lots of folks celebrate the fun day whether they’re Irish or not.
All too often, however, the celebration can turn deadly because of impaired driving. This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol, the Naperville Police Department has some advice for you: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!”
“Naperville Police will be on patrol this St. Patrick’s Day, so make sure you obey the law,” said Naperville Police Sgt. Derek Zook. “Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends do it, either. Help us make zero fatalities a reality in Illinois.”
In addition to looking for alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers, the Naperville Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest.
Sgt. Zook said always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol. Here are a few other important reminders:
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 an impaired driving crash.
· Make sure all 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 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 drunk.
· Always buckle up.
Pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.
The St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
News item submitted by Commander Louis Cammiso, Public Information Officer, for the Naperville Police Department.
