Buffalo Grove Police Step Up Traffic Enforcement For St. Paddy's Day

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Make sure if you drink that pint or two of Guinness that you don't get behind the wheel. With St. Patrick's Day coming up on Friday, the Buffalo Grove Police Department announced it is increasing its focus on alcohol and cannabis-impaired drivers through March 19.

It's part of the department's participation in the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Drive High. Get A DUI" campaigns.

“This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, and that means more parties throughout the weekend,” Buffalo Grove Sergeant Tony Turano said. “If you’ve been drinking, using cannabis or any other impairing drug, make the smart choice and plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving.”

The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

In addition to looking for alcohol and cannabis-impaired drivers, police are stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and all traffic laws will be strictly enforced, according to the department.

“Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide whether you’ll drink or use or if you’ll drive,” Turano said. “If you choose to drink or use cannabis, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely. We want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but safe driving is everyone’s responsibility.”

Always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Other important tips from the Buffalo Grove Police Department include:

• Remember, you can be held liable and 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 ridesharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food and include lots of 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.
• 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 or ride share service, sober friend or family member to pick you up or just stay where you are until you are sober.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive drunk.
• Always buckle up.

Police warn that pedestrians are also at risk. They tell walkers to keep an eye out for cars. Designated drivers should also be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.