Police Ramping Up Impaired Driving Enforcement For Super Bowl Weekend In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is reminding football fans and Super Bowl partygoers about the importance of designated drivers. These drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If Super Bowl celebrations include alcohol or cannabis, planning a safe ride home with a sober driver is essential.

Extra patrols and enforcement efforts will be conducted from Friday through the early morning hours of Monday. Police are advising hosts to ensure their designated drivers are cared for. Whether attending a party, hosting a gathering, or going to a bar, safety should remain a priority, according to LCSO.

When it is time to leave, police say ensuring the designated driver is sober is "crucial," adding that all vehicle occupants should wear seatbelts, regardless of their seating position. Drivers are also reminded to slow down and maintain focus on the road.

LCSO is recommending those heading out for Super Bowl fun should make a game plan for a safe evening. According to police, "It is never acceptable to drive impaired, whether by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. If a person feels different, they drive differently."

Key tips include designating a sober driver or planning to use public transportation or a ride service. If medication causes drowsiness or slows reaction time, police say choosing a sober ride is advised. The public is urged to contact law enforcement if they observe an impaired driver. Always buckling up is also a critical safety measure.

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign administers these efforts. The Illinois Department of Transportation funds this initiative with federal highway safety funds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manages these funds.