Oswego Police Labor Day Drunk Driving Crackdown Underway

This Labor Day, families and friends will be celebrating the end of the summer.

Sadly, this festive time is also a dangerous time on our roads, as many alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers get behind the wheel after celebrating. For this reason, the Oswego Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to help save lives.

The high-visibility Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket crackdowns run from August 22 through September 5. During this period, law enforcement across Illinois will show zero tolerance for impaired driving and seat belt law violators. Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, coupled with increased officers on the road, aim to reduce impaired driving and increase seat belt usage in Oswego and Illinois.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has made it even easier to get home safely when you’ve been drinking, with the free SaferRide mobile app, available through iTunes and Google Play. The app allows you to call pre-selected contacts or a taxi and also identifies your location so you can be picked up.

The Oswego Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Remember: there is never an excuse to drive impaired or not wear your seat belt.

The Oswego Police Department wants you to know that always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Other important tips include:

For Hosts:

• Hosts can be held liable and prosecuted if someone they serve is involved in a drunk-
driving crash. Make sure guests designate a sober driver in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.

• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at a party.

• Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

• Never let guests leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk.

Party Attendees:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.

• If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home or call a cab, friend or family member to pick you up.

• Always buckle up – it is your best defense against a drunk driver.

The Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket crackdowns are made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Submitted by the Oswego Police Department