Law enforcers throughout Kane County will be participating in the state and national efforts to curb drunken driving on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

As just one example, from March 17 through March 20, city of St. Charles police officers will be out conducting DUI and seat belt enforcement in conjunction with the  Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over traffic campaigns.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding residents to plan before you party.

“If you’ll be drinking alcohol to celebrate the holiday, don’t drive. Designate a driver, call a cab or ride-sharing company or take public transit. Don’t make a mistake that could cost you all of your green,” IDOT says in a news release.

“St. Patrick’s Day is a festive occasion, but it can turn deadly if you aren’t responsible,” said Priscilla Tobias, highway safety official and director of program development for IDOT. “Make sure you leave your keys at home if you will be out drinking alcohol. It’s not worth a DUI, or worse. Leave the driving to someone who is sober.”

Police will be conducting roadside safety checks and seat belt enforcement zones around the holiday, in an effort to keep the roads safe. The message during this campaign, and every day, is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“Drinking and driving is one of America’s most often committed and deadliest traffic offenses,” said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “Make this St. Patrick’s Day celebration safe for everyone by designating a sober driver. Don’t let your luck run out by taking chances with impaired driving. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!”

IDOT data show that 58 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on the weekends prior to, and after, March 17 from 2012 to 2016; 16 of the fatalities involved at least one driver who had been drinking. In 2016 alone, 15 people were killed during those two weekends and four died as a result of crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking.

Impaired driving puts you and others on the road at risk of a crash, or even death. Even a small amount of alcohol consumption can lead to disaster. Don’t take a chance and ruin the holiday, or perhaps your life. Celebrate responsibly.