The St. Charles Police Department will focus on enforcing drunken driving and drug- and alcohol-related traffic offenses in conjunction with the Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign, which runs through Sept. 4.

The statewide initiative is an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of drunken and drugged driving, and to remove and arrest individuals driving under the influence.

“If you are going to drink, don’t drive,” said St. Charles Cmdr. Eric Majewski. “Too many people die behind the wheel each year because someone choses to drive impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Our officers will show zero tolerance with DUI, alcohol-related traffic offenses, and failure to wear a seat belt.”

St. Charles Police will join state, county and local law enforcement agencies across the State for increased enforcement during the evening hours.

Sam Canzoneri, state executive director for MADD Illinois, said it takes a group effort and teamwork to initiate change.

“Through the dedicated efforts of law enforcement and organizations like MADD, we have worked to change public perceptions regarding impaired driving,” he said. “Progress has been made, but there is still much work that needs to be done in the area of this 100 percent preventable crime.

“We’re honored to join efforts with law enforcement. We feel that this combined effort will raise awareness in our state and ultimately save lives.”

Please remember these important tips:

• Never let family or friends drive drunk
• Give your keys to a designated driver before you go out
• If you are drunk or impaired by alcohol or other drug, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride sharing service or call a sober friend or family member
• Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt. It is your best defense against a drunk/impaired driver.

For more information about Mothers Against Drunk Driving, contact Sam Canzoneri, state executive director, at sam.canzoneri@madd.org; or Allison Seys, state program coordinator, at allison.seys@madd.org.

SOURCE: city of St. Charles news release