Police Enforce Drunk Driving Awareness Campaign At Christmas, NYE

OSWEGO, IL — Ahead of the most wonderful time of the year, Oswego police will be on the lookout for impaired drivers to cite in order to keep the roads safe. The department announced Monday it would be participating in another statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaign.

The impaired driving awareness campaign in Oswego started Dec. 17 and will last through Jan. 3.

"Driving impaired, whether under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can have catastrophic consequences and is illegal in every state," reads a news release from the department. "Not only do you put yourself at risk, but the lives of others as well."

For people who plan on celebrating with alcohol or other substances, police said they should plan ahead, get a ride from someone sober and remember to buckle up.

Police also included a list of tips for the holiday season:

• Before you head to the party, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
• If available, use your community’s sober ride program.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and call 911.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take their keys and help them get home safely.
• Always buckle up.

The enforcement period is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.