LITH Police Up Enforcement for St. Paddy’s Day

From The Lake in the Hills Police Department: The Lake in the Hills Police Department will conduct special patrols from Thursday, March 14th through Monday, March 18th to arrest impaired drivers and reinforce seatbelt safety over St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Each year, St. Patrick’s Day - March 17th- is celebrated with city parades, funny leprechaun hats, and plenty o’ green beer. Unfortunately, it often ends with risky drunk drivers taking to the streets when the parties end.

Drunk driving accounts for nearly one-third of vehicle-related fatalities in the United States. This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. If you plan to go out and enjoy the evening with alcohol, make sure you refrain from driving. Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are two easy ways to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Designated drivers should remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs and pedestrian signals. Below are some additional tips.

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 sober drivers.
 Download a ride-sharing app on your phone to help partygoers.
 Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
 Take keys away from anyone who is attempting to drive impaired.

Main: 847-658-5676
Fax: 847- 960-7552 PRESS RELEASE www.lith.org/police

Any criminal or traffic complaint(s) that have been filed against any individual(s) named herein are only an accusation. All defendant(s) are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. All inquiries regarding this press release are to be directed to the Communications Coordinator at 847-658-5676 unless otherwise noted.

If you are going out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:
 Designate a sober driver ahead of time and give that person your car keys.
 If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a ride-sharing company, have a sober friend or family member 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 impaired.
 Buckle up – it’s your best defense in a crash.
The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is part of the Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” programs supported through federal funds administered by IDOT.