Oak Lawn Cops Patrolling for Impaired St. Paddy's Revelers Through March 17

Oak Lawn, IL – You don’t have to be Irish to get a DUI on St. Patrick’s Day.

With a week of Irish heritage events leading up the St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, the Oak Lawn Police Department will be paying extra attention to drivers that may have had a few too many Guinness beers to drink.

“Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive,” Sgt. M. Acke said. “If you choose to drink, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely from the party. If you’re planning on driving, don’t drink. The last thing you want is to ride home with a cop.”

Next to New Year’s Eve and Thanksgiving “Black Wednesday” Eve, the celebration of St.Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland is one of the country’s most popular drinking holidays.

In addition to looking for impaired drivers, Oak Lawn police will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest.