Kane County to hold 'Black Wednesday' DUI patrols
Kane County will hold another "No Refusal" anti-drunk driving event Wednesday night, commonly referred to as "Black Wednesday."
State's Attorney Joe McMahon announced the event well in advance so people can arrange safe transportation if they are going to be out on what is considered by many as the biggest party night of the year.
"The night before Thanksgiving is a day we have selected a number of times," McMahon said. "That tends to be a night where there is a lot of drinking and driving, unfortunately."
During a "No Refusal" night, a judge and phlebotomist are on call as officers patrol for intoxicated drivers. If a person arrested on drunken driving charges refuses a breath or chemical test, police work with a prosecutor and ask a judge for a search warrant to get a chemical test.
Expediting the process can help authorities get a blood-alcohol concentration result before a driver sobers up. If a driver refuses, the sample may be taken by force and the driver could be charged with felony obstruction of justice.
Next week's "No Refusal" is the 22nd since they started nine years ago. McMahon said this will mark the fifth "No Refusal" held on "Black Wednesday." The four previous netted 30 arrests.
Numerous, undisclosed law enforcement agencies will be taking part Wednesday.
Overall, 138 people have been arrested on "No Refusal" events. McMahon says the goal is to change people's behavior and he would be happy if there were no arrests.