Will Co. Sheriff Ramps Up DUI, Seat Belt Enforcement Patrols For July 4 Stretch

WILL COUNTY — The Will County Sheriff's Office will increase enforcement efforts ahead of July 4, with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.

The campaign runs June 19 through July 6, encompassing three weekends leading up to and after Independence Day, the sheriff's office said.

"We're asking all our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely," said Traffic Lt. Denny. "It's simple: if you're driving, don't drink or do drugs. Our officers will be out in full force to keep impaired drivers off the road."

The sheriff's office joins Illinois State Police and 200 local police and sheriff's departments for the increased statewide enforcement effort.

"This Fourth of July, designate a sober driver and don't let friends or family members drive under the influence," Lt. Denny said.

Other tips:

• Give a designated driver your keys before going out.
• If you are drunk or impaired by cannabis or other drugs, call a taxi, use mass transit, utilize a ride-sharing app, or call a sober friend or family to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers by pulling over and calling 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt.

The Illinois Independence Day enforcement campaign is funded with federal highway safety dollars administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and supported by Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state. It's reinforced with IDOT's, "It's Not a Game" media campaign, which shares real stories of Illinois residents lost in fatal crashes.