The Lake County Sheriff’s Office begins Independence Day crackdown on intoxicated drivers, seat belt law violators, and boat operators

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office today announced plans for July 4th traffic enforcement, focusing on intoxicated and unbuckled drivers and additionally a reminder that the Marine Unit will be on the same schedule enforcing the laws on the waterways.  The intensified enforcement effort will focus on late-night hours as statistics show a disproportionate number of traffic deaths occur late at night and involve an intoxicated driver and/or unbuckled motorist. The crackdown is part of the statewide, Independence Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket effort.

“Summer is in full force, and so is the summer travel season. All too often, that means more traffic and more traffic crashes and Independence Day can be one of the deadliest summer travel times,” said Sheriff Mark C. Curran Jr. “Too many people die each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our deputies will be out in full force this Independence Day showing zero tolerance for intoxicated drivers, belt law violators, and boat operators.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will join the Illinois State Police and hundreds of police and sheriff’s departments in a statewide enforcement effort that begins June 23 and runs through July 6th.

To avoid a potential crash or arrest, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family members drive intoxicated. Other important tips include:

·         Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;

·         If you are intoxicated, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;

·         Promptly report intoxicated drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911;

·         Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against an intoxicated driver.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign that reminds motorists, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.”

End of Release.