Des Plaines cracking down on impaired driving, seat belt violators

The Des Plaines Police Department is stepping up its efforts to crack down on impaired drivers and seat belt violators through increased late-night enforcement during Labor Day weekend.

The intensified enforcement effort against an overwhelming number of late-night impaired drivers and safety belt violators underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during those hours, a department news release stated.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warn midnight to 3 a.m. is the deadliest time on Illinois roads. The agencies' data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest occupant restraint use.

"The numbers do not lie," said Des Plaines Traffic Commander Tim Veit. "If you drive impaired or unbuckled at night, we will find you and arrest you or give you a ticket." The police department is currently running numerous saturation patrols and conducting two roadside safety checkpoints and will continue them through Monday, Sept. 6.

Police recommend designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired.

Other 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 and make sure all passengers are safely buckled up.

The crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety and runs concurrently with public service advertisements reminding motorists, "You Drink & Drive. You Lose."

For details, visit drivesoberillinois.org.