Hinsdale Police Remind Drivers To Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale Police Department is reminding drivers to drive sober or get pulled over as they celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. According to a release from the department, Hinsdale law enforcement will be conducting extra patrols in an effort to stop drunk drivers. The concerted effort is part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

“If you choose to head out to a Fourth of July party and make the terrible decision to drink and drive, don’t be mistaken – if you get caught, you will be arrested,” Deputy Chief Erik Bernholdt said in a release. “This is deadly, irresponsible behavior, and we will be out in full force to put a stop to it wherever we can. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving. There are plenty of safe ways for you to get home after a night of drinking alcohol. We will accept no excuses.”

According to the release, In every state and the District of Columbia, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. A DUI arrest means a loss of freedom and money, including going to jail, losing your license and paying steep financial costs.

“This Fourth of July, don’t risk losing your life or your independence by drinking and driving. Help make everyone’s holiday in Hinsdale safer by driving sober,” Deputy Chief Erik Bernholdt said in a release. “There’s no excuse—Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

If you plan to drink while celebrating, designate a sober drive and do not let friends drive drunk. The Hinsdale Police Department also gave other important tips:

If you are hosting a Fourth of July party:

• Remember that you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in a drunk-driving crash.
• Make sure all of your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve plenty 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.

If you are attending a Fourth of July party:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins 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 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 friends leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk.
• Always buckle up – it is your best defense in a crash.

The Fourth of July Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation, according to a release.

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