Lake in the Hills Police to Step Up Enforcement for St. Patrick's Day

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL - The Lake in the Hills Police Department will be out in force looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers over the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

"We will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are lowest," said LITH public information officer Amanda Schmitt in a news release. "We are asking drivers, before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, to decide whether they will drink or they will drive.

Those who drink, should designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely from the party. If the choice is to drive, do not drink, police said.

The Lake in the Hills Police Department has some other tips and information for the community:

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Remember that you can be held liable and potentially prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.
• Make sure all guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve food and include non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your keys.
• If you do not 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.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive drunk.=
• Always buckle up.

Pedestrians can be at risk as well. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Designated drivers should also be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.

The St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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