Romeoville Police Launch St. Patrick's Day Traffic Safety Campaign

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Romeoville Police Department is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and IDOT for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign for St. Patrick's Day.

The campaign will run from March 13 through 6 a.m. March 23.

"With St. Patrick's Day falling on a Tuesday this year, we expect celebrations throughout the entire week - plus the weekends before and after," Sergeant Sean Wagner said in a release. "We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly. Plan ahead for a sober ride home before you leave the house; your safety and the safety of others depends on it."

Romeoville Police will be looking for drivers impaired by alcohol and cannabis, along with other drugs, including prescription medications that can affect driving. Officers will also be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving, and all traffic laws will be strictly enforced, the department said.

Romeoville Police provided some safety tips, including:

• It is never okay to drive impaired. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 and report it.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and help them get a safe ride home.
• Always buckle up!

The St. Patrick's Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Drive High. Get a DUI." enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by IDOT, according to a news release.