Above / This Labor Day, Naperville Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation unite to stop drunk and drug-impaired drivers to help save lives.
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — 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 drunk and drug-impaired drivers.
Once again, the Naperville Police Department is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation to stop drunk and drug-impaired drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility enforcement campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” runs from August 21 through the early morning hours of September 5. 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. This comprehensive effort aims to reduce impaired driving and help make zero fatalities a reality on Illinois roads.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a massive problem in Illinois with more than 300 people dying annually,” said Sgt. Derek Zook. “Drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you go out. We make zero exceptions for impaired driving. There are just no excuses.”
Naperville Police recommend tips and safe alternatives to drinking & driving
• If you will be drinking, designate a sober driver before you go out.
• Plan to use public transportation, call a cab or use a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
• Take the keys away from friends who intend to drive after drinking and make arrangements to get your friend 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.
Submitted by Commander Lou Camisso for Sgt. Derek Zook and the Naperville Police Department.
