Aurora Police To Launch 3-Week Enforcement Campaign For 4th Of July

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department is gearing up for its next enforcement campaign, this one encompassing the Fourth of July holiday.

The campaign will begin Friday and run for three weeks, ending July 6. The Aurora Police Department is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to focus on removing impaired and unbuckled drivers from roads, officials said Monday.

"We're asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely," Chief Matt Thomas said in a statement. "It's simple: If you're driving, don't drink or use cannabis or other impairing substances. Our officers will be working diligently to keep impaired drivers off the road and ensure everyone is buckled up."

To help keep the roads safe, police shared these tips for drivers to plan ahead:

• Designate a sober driver and give them your keys before you go out.
• Never drive impaired, whether under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other drugs.
• Use a taxi, public transportation, rideshare, or call a sober friend or family member.
• Report suspected impaired drivers by pulling over safely and dialing 911.
• Buckle up — every seat, every time. It's the law and your best defense against impaired drivers.