Oak Lawn Police Ramp Up Thanksgiving DUI And Seat Belt Patrols

OAK LAWN, IL — AAA projects 79.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The number of Americans hitting the road exceeds pre-pandemic travel and is expected to set a new record.

For the first time, AAA’s forecast includes the Tuesday before and the Monday after Thanksgiving Day to better capture the flow of holiday travelers. This year’s projection of nearly 80 million travelers is an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year and 2 million more than in 2019.

To ensure that traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday flows smoothly and safely, Oak Lawn police officers will be monitoring traffic for seat belt scofflaws, as well signs of impaired drivers. The enforcement period will take from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2.

“Thanksgiving means more vehicles on the road and an increased risk of crashes,” said Sgt.
Nick Kumke, of the Oak Lawn Police Department. “No matter how long or short your drive, remember to buckle up and ensure that children are correctly secured in a safe seat. By buckling up and planning for a sober ride home, you help everyone enjoy a safe and happy holiday.”

Drivers and passengers can expect a ticket from Oak Lawn police if they are spotted not wearing a seat belt or with an unbuckled child in their vehicle. Motorists are on notice that driving after drinking or using drugs or other impairing substances will also not be tolerated. Stepped-up patrols including seat belt enforcement zones and roadside safety checks will be seen throughout Oak Lawn and the state.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the statewide seat-belt usage rate
stands at 92.4%, indicating that there is still room for improvement.
If you’re celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances, please remember:

• Plan for a sober ride home before you go out.
• Call a taxi, take mass transit, or ask a family member to get you home safely.
• Use your favorite rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, or opt for public transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.
• Ensure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is the best defenseagainst an impaired driver.

This Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds
administered by IDOT.