As Illinoisans gear up for one of the busiest travel times of the year, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a traffic safety campaign focusing on impaired and unbuckled vehicle occupants.  

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 15 motor vehicle crash fatalities occurred in Illinois over the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Five of the 15 deaths occurred in crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Illinois State Police and other local law-enforcement across Illinois for the increased statewide effort.  The high-visibility campaign will run from November 22 – December 2, 2019.  

Sheriff John Idleburg said, “We constantly remind the community not to drive impaired.  It’s simply not worth the loss of life or a costly arrest.  Plan on a sober driver, ride share, or taxi to get you home after an evening of celebrating.”  

The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns are funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences. Visit LifeOrDeathIllinois.com for more information.