Kane County and area law enforcers have announced plans for Fourth of July traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.

The safety campaign runs from June 17 through July 8 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.

“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said St. Charles Police Department Cmdr. Eric Majewski. “It’s simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink or use drugs. Our officers will be out in full force to keep impaired drivers off the road.”

St. Charles police will join the Illinois State Police and more than 160 local police and sheriff’s departments for the increased statewide enforcement effort.

“This Fourth of July designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive under the influence,” Majewski said.

Other important tips include:

• Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
• If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. Not only is it the law, it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences. Visit LifeOrDeathIllinois.com for more information.

For more information about the St. Charles Police Department, visit www.stcharlesil.gov, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo and LinkedIn.

SOURCE: St. Charles Police Department news release