Wheeling Police Department begins its Fourth of July safety campaign

The Wheeling Police Department announced plans for stepped-up July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.

The safety campaign, currently underway, will run through the early-morning hours of July 6 to encompass the summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.

"We're asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely," said Wheeling Police Chief James J. Dunne. "It's simple: If you're driving, don't drink, use marijuana or other drugs. Our officers will be working around the clock to keep impaired drivers off the road and enforce all other traffic laws."

The Wheeling Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff's departments for the increased statewide enforcement effort.

Use these tips to help ensure a happy and safe holiday:

• Designate a sober driver and give them your keys before you go out.

• Don't let friends or family members drive under the influence.

• If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride-sharing service or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

• Promptly report drunken drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.

• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It's not only the law, but also your best defense against an impaired driver.

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket" programs are made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The enforcement period runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has "Life or Death" consequences.

For information, visit LifeOrDeathIllinois.com.