Drive sober and buckle up for a safe celebration
UPDATE, March 19, 2019 / Naperville Police arrest three for impaired driving during St. Patrick’s Day Enforcement Campaign.
The Naperville Police Department made three arrests for driving under the influence and issued 22 speeding citations during the St. Patrick’s Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.
“Because of the efforts by our community leaders to spread the word about alcohol and drug impaired driving, the streets were safer during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday,” said Naperville Police Sgt. Derek Zook. “We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason – to save lives.”
The Naperville Police joined forces with state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners in the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign.
The law enforcement campaign was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaigns.
Original Post March 13, 2019 / The Naperville Police Department will conduct special patrols on St. Patrick’s Day weekend to arrest impaired drivers and to encourage use of seat belts by all passengers.
“We’re urging you to plan ahead for St. Patrick’s Day festivities,” said Naperville Police Sgt. Derek Zook. “Don’t ever drive under the influence of alcohol or any drug. It’s not just about you. There are other people on the roads who are impacted by your decisions.”
If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:
- Remember, you can be held liable if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.
- Make sure your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
- Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Download a ride-sharing app on your phone to help partygoers and keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy.
- Take keys away from anyone who is planning to drive impaired.
If you’re going out for St. Patrick’s Day:
- Designate a sober driver ahead of time and give that person your keys.
- If you don’t have a designated driver, call a cab, use ride-sharing, have a sober friend or family member pick you up or stay where you are and sleep it off.
- Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they’re about to drive impaired.
- Buckle up – it’s your best defense in a crash.
Pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. If you are a designated driver, remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs and pedestrian signals.
The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is part of the Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” programs supported through federal funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
