Oswego Police Looking for Drunk Drivers, Seat Belt Violators

OSWEGO, IL — Quite a few alcoholic beverages will be consumed when Americans go out to celebrate the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, that means there will also be some people who decide to drink and then get behind the wheel.

One of the best ways to protect yourself when you travel is to always buckle up. Illinois law requires all vehicle occupants to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt at all times while the vehicle is in operation on the roadway.

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In addition to looking for drunk drivers, the Oswego Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that young drivers (18 to 34 years old) are especially at risk of driving drunk. In fact, nationally, 58 percent of the drivers 18 to 34 years old who were killed over the July Fourth period in 2014 were driving drunk (BAC of .08 or higher).

Motorcycle operators are also over-represented as the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes. In 2014, more than a quarter (29 percent) of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes had BACs of .08 or higher.

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.

Additionally, pedestrians can be at risk too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Even a sober driver is a risk if you are drinking and walking. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.

Remember to always buckle up!

The Independence Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click it or Ticket” crackdowns are funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.