West Chicago police to begin July 4 crackdown on DUI, seatbelt violators

West Chicago, Illinois: June 13, 2013 - The West Chicago Police Department announced its plans for July 4th traffic enforcement, focusing on both drunk and unbuckled drivers. The intensified enforcement effort will focus on late-night hours, as statistics show a disproportionate number of traffic deaths occur late at night and involve a drunk driver and/or unbuckled motorist. The crackdown is part of the statewide Independence Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” effort.

“Year in and year out, Independence Day is one of the deadliest holidays due to an increase in drunk-driving fatalities,” said Sergeant Spencer Kroning. “Too many people die each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our officers will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for drunk drivers and belt law violators.”

The West Chicago Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and hundreds of police and sheriff's departments in a statewide enforcement effort that begins June 28 and runs through July 7, 2013.

To avoid a potential crash or drunk driving arrest, the West Chicago Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family members drive drunk. Other important tips include:

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

• If you are drunk, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;

• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911;

• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against a drunk driver.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign that reminds motorists, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.”

Additionally, ongoing roadway safety efforts continue. The Traffic Safety Unit of the West Chicago Police Department recently announced that Campaign # 5, which is the fifth of six overall campaigns funded by a grant received from the Illinois Department of Transportation, will run June 28, 2013 - July 7, 2013 . This grant provides sworn officers funding for additional hours dedicated to traffic enforcement for child restraint, seatbelt, speeding and alcohol related violations. This continuing effort will be made Citywide to make roadways safer by enforcing these violations and educating the public on seatbelt safety and awareness.