The Barrington Police Department begins late-night enforcement

The Barrington Police Department announced its late-night plans in focusing on the most deadly time of day for motor vehicle fatalities. The intensified enforcement effort against the overwhelming number of late-night impaired drivers and safety belt violators underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during late-night hours.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the midnight to 3 a.m. time frame is the deadliest time on Illinois roads. Not coincidentally, the data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest occupant restraint use.

For the last four years (2005-2008), 67% of the motor vehicle fatalities occurring from midnight to 3 a.m. involved an impaired driver. For the same four year period, the midnight to 3 a.m. and the 3-6 a.m. time frame had the lowest occupant restraint use involving motor vehicle fatalities with only 27% of those who died in crashes properly restrained.

"The numbers do not lie, which is why we are stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up," said Chief Jerry Libit. "When you are out, we are out."

The Barrington Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.

If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.

Wear your safety belt. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety and it runs concurrently with a media campaign that will remind motorists, "You Drink & Drive. You Lose!" For more information, visit www.drivesoberillinois.org.