Lombard Police Department planning weekend DUI, seatbelt crackdown

The Lombard Police Department today announced its late-night plans for a four-hour crackdown enforcement of impaired driving and seatbelt enforcement to take place this weekend along Roosevelt Road.

The intensified enforcement is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 and run through 3 a.m. on Sunday, June 23 on Roosevelt Road near Fairfield Avenue. The crackdown effort against impaired drivers and seat belt law violators underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths involving alcohol and unbelted motorists.

“Safety is a primary concern – not just for motorists, but also passengers and others on the road,” said Lombard Police Department Deputy Chief Tom Wirsing on Friday. “We always recommend that people planning to consume alcohol make alternative transportation plans, such as designating a sober driver or calling a cab.”

Wirsing also stressed the importance of wearing a seatbelt, and said the message in Lombard is “Click It or Ticket.”

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways. The data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest seat belt usage rate.

The Lombard 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 seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.