The weekend leading up to the Fourth of July is a popular weekend for travel. Many people head out to picnics, parties, parades, and more. Unfortunately, history shows an increase in drinking and driving during this heavily traveled holiday. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will be adding extra traffic safety patrols from June 26 - July 7, 2017, watching for those driving impaired.
“If you’re driving under the influence expect to be placed under arrest,” said Sheriff Mark Curran. “We will have zero tolerance for those who make the decision to get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated.”
Sheriff’s Deputies will also be observing, to ensure vehicle occupants are wearing their seatbelts, particularly at night when seatbelt usage rates are at their lowest.
Sheriff Curran wants you to know it’s important to designate a sober driver and not let friends or family drive drunk. These are two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or a DUI arrest.
Other tips include:
If you are hosting an Independence Day party:
- Remember, you can be held liable 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 non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
- Keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
If you are attending an Independence Day 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, or just stay where you are.
- Never let friends drive while drunk.
- Always buckle up.
The Independence Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safety initiative is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.