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Grayslake police crack down on drunken driving

The Grayslake Police Department will be focusing on the most deadly time of day for motor vehicle fatalities for the annual Illinois Labor Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown on drunken drivers.

The statewide crackdown will include high visibility alcohol and belt enforcement throughout Grayslake, and will run through Sept. 7.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the midnight to 3 a.m. time frame is the deadliest time on Illinois roads. Not coincidentally, the data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest occupant restraint use.

The Grayslake Police Department wants to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel drunk is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, not only does drinking impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can or should drive.

If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel. If you do choose to drive impaired, you will be arrested.

The Grayslake Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include.

• Plan ahead. Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.

• If you don't have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.

• Wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

• Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.

The Grayslake Police Department encourages motorists to wear their seat belt at all times. Wearing a seat belt can help reduce the chances of injury or fatality in the event of a crash.

As a reminder, seat belt use in Illinois is mandatory and a primary offense, meaning an officer can stop a motorist for this violation alone. The law enforcement crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign that will remind motorists "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket."

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