Police to crack down on drunken driving

Now through Sept. 2, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Barrington and Elk Grove Village police — among other departments in the suburbs — will be even more vigilant at stopping drunken drivers, as part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The statewide crackdown will include high-visibility alcohol and seat belt enforcement. “Every year in Illinois, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more drunk drivers or motorcycle operators,” said Mount Prospect Crime Prevention Officer Greg Sill. He said high-visibility enforcement can reduce drunken driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. The crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.