Above / This Fourth of July, Naperville Police Remind You: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — As friends and family gather to celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, Naperville Police will be conducting extra patrols in an effort to stop drunk drivers. The concerted effort is part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
From 2011 to 2015 in the United States, 39 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities during the July Fourth holiday period occurred in crashes that involved alcohol-impaired driving. Illinois is committed to making zero fatalities a reality on its roads, and that starts with enforcing safe driving behaviors.
“If you choose to head out to a Fourth of July party and make the terrible decision to drink and drive, don’t be mistaken – if you get caught, you will be arrested,” said Naperville Police Sgt. Derek Zook. “This is deadly, irresponsible behavior, and we will be out in full force to put a stop to it wherever we can. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving. There are plenty of safe ways for you to get home after a night of drinking alcohol. We will accept no excuses.”
In every state and the District of Columbia, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. A DUI arrest means a loss of freedom and money, including going to jail, losing your license and paying steep financial costs.
“This Fourth of July, don’t risk losing your life or your independence by drinking and driving. Help make everyone’s holiday in Naperville safer by driving sober,” said Sgt. Zook. “There’s no excuse—Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
If you plan to drink while celebrating, designate a sober drive and do not let friends drive drunk.
Important tips
If you are hosting a Fourth of July party
- Remember that 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 plenty 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 Fourth of July 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 friends leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk.
- Always buckle up – it is your best defense in a crash.
The Fourth of July Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Report submitted by Commander Louis Cammiso, Office of Professional Standards, Public Information Officer; for Sgt. Derek Zook, Naperville Police Department.
