Orland Park Cops Heighten DUI Patrols for St. Patrick's Day

ORLAND PARK, IL -- A four leaf clover won't protect you if you decide to get behind the wheel after enjoying a few St. Patrick’s Day cocktails. The Orland Park Police Department will conduct extra enforcement patrols over St. Patrick’s Day weekend to crack down on drunk drivers and make sure everyone in the car is buckled up. Expect to see more Orland Park police officers patrolling the streets starting Friday, March 16 through the early morning hours of Sunday, March 18.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest holidays due to the number of drunk drivers on the road. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, drunk driving has killed more than 300 people during each of the last four years in Illinois.

“If you plan on going out for St. Patrick’s Day, always think ahead and designate a sober driver,” said Village Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village’s Public Safety Committee. “Remember, it’s not just about you. There are other people on the road who want to get where they are going safely.”

Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are two easy ways to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Pedestrians are at risk, too.

“If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Even a sober driver is at risk if a pedestrian is drinking and walking,” said Police Chief Tim McCarthy. “Designated drivers should be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs or pedestrian signals.”

The community is urged to follow the following St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips.

If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• You can be held liable if someone you serve is involved in a drunk-driving crash.
• Make sure your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Keep phone numbers for local cab companies or ride-sharing apps handy and take keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

If you’re going out for St. Patrick’s Day:

• Designate a sober driver ahead of time and give that person your car keys.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, call a cab, use ride-sharing, have a sober friend or family member pick you up.
• If at a house party, stay where you are and sleep it off.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they’re about to drive after drinking.
• Buckle up – it’s your best defense in a crash.