Algonquin Police: Special Patrols Will Crack Down on St. Patrick’s Day DUI
Police departments throughout Kane County will be cracking down this weekend on drunken driving in light of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday on Sunday, March 17.
Here are two news releases put out by local law enforcers:
Algonquin: This St. Patrick’s Day, Don’t Rely on Luck o’ The Irish
The Algonquin Police Department today (Thursday, March 15, 2018) announced it will conduct special patrols this St. Patrick’s Day to crack down on drunken drivers and encourage people to wear their seat belts.
Widely celebrated across the country, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest holidays due to the number of drunken drivers on the road. Drunken driving kills more than 10,000 people each year in our country, and each of those deaths is preventable.
“We’re urging our community’s residents and guests to plan ahead for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations,” said Sgt. Robert Salazar. “If you’re going to drink, designate a sober driver before you go out. Remember: It’s not just about you. There are other people on the roads who want to get where they are going safely.”
Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are two easy ways to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Following are some additional tips.
For information, contact Salazar at (847) 658-4531 or rsalazar@algonquin.org.
If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:
- Remember, you can be held liable if someone you serve is involved in a drunk 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.
- Keep phone numbers for local cab companies or your favorite ride-sharing app handy and take keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
If you’re going out for St. Patrick’s Day:
- Designate a sober driver ahead of time and give that person your car 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 after drinking.
- 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. Even a sober driver is a risk if you are drinking and walking. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs and pedestrian signals.
The Illinois St. Patrick’s Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is funded by federal highway safety funds administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
St. Charles: Extra Police Patrols Scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
The St. Charles Police Department will have additional officers out this weekend conducting DUI and seatbelt enforcement in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket traffic safety campaigns.
“We urge motorists to celebrate responsibly,” officials said. “Please buckle up and do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.”
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), one person dies every 51 minutes in the U.S. because of drunk driving and alcohol related accidents cost the U.S. economy more than $44 billion every year.
Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.
The St. Charles Police Department wants all drivers to arrive safely at their destination.
