Palos Park PD Heightens Memorial Day DUI, Distracted Driver Patrols

PALOS PARK, IL — Over 42.3 million Americans are expected to hit the road for the approaching Memorial Day, up 7 percent from last year, according to AAA. Predicted air travel nationwide is expected to be 11 percent higher than last year, and up 5.4 percent from pre-pandemic numbers.

With so many people traveling this Memorial Day – which this year falls on Monday, May 29 – residents and those traveling through Palos Park can expect to see an increased police presence on the road. Palos Park police officers will be paying special attention to the roadways for signs of impaired and distracted driving, as well as seatbelt scofflaws.

Palos Park Police Commander Chris Hughes knows firsthand how seat belts can prevent death in some of the worst car crashes.

“Wearing a seatbelt only takes a few seconds and it can make a huge difference in a crash,” Hughes said. “We have a shared responsibility and shared commitment to ensure everyone is safe. Seatbelts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers.”

Most people travel safely, but unfortunately there are those who don’t. Your best protection against impaired or distracted drivers is to buckle your seat belt. You may still get injured, but you’ll be injured inside the vehicle as opposed to being ejected, police say.

Alcohol is also a leading factor in fatal traffic crashes, especially during celebratory weekends. Plan ahead and designating a sober driver, calling a cab, or using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. If we all do our part, we can make this holiday.

You can always call Palos Park Police at 708-448-2191. Officers will help motorists who’ve had one too many cocktails arrive home safely.