Mothers, sheriff's police unite in drunken-driving crackdown

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Illinois and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office have kicked off their holiday drunken driving crackdown, which is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's national crackdown, "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.," which marks its first anniversary this November.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office is outfitting its motor fleet with MADD's signature red ribbons this holiday season. The red ribbons will be displayed through the first of the year on side mirrors, antennas and grills of vehicles, including squad cars and personal cars.

The Sheriff's Office is making the ribbons available to the public at various locations open to the public throughout the courthouse.

The Sheriff's Office also will step up DUI patrols during the holidays, recognizing the need for more enforcement over the holiday season.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office also is participating in an Image grant. The campaign, which runs through Jan. 1, is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation and focuses on traffic safety through extra enforcement in seat-belt use, child safety seat use, speeding, as well as a crackdown on impaired driving. This grant allows the Sheriff's Office to have an additional two deputies on the road for traffic enforcement.

"We are sending a clear message that drunk driving won't be tolerated," warned Sheriff Keith Nygren.

"Every year we lose citizens to alcohol-related rashes. We are committed to stop such tragedies before they occur. High-visibility enforcement is proven to save lives."

Nygren continues to ask for your help in reporting impaired drivers to your local police or sheriff's office. His wish for everyone is a safe and happy holiday season.