With the holidays in full swing, the Lombard Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving through a “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” enforcement campaign. From Dec. 15 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to keep our roads safe and help ensure a happy holiday season.
“If you’ll be celebrating with festive drinks or other impairing substances, make a plan for a safe ride home before you leave for the party,” said Sergeant Tom Balsitis. “During the campaign, we will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to help ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday festivities safely.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in the United States in 2021, a total of 13,384 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes each year from 2017 to 2021, with one person killed in a drunk-driving crash approximately every 45 minutes. These fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired — by alcohol, cannabis or any other substance, whether legal or not — is potentially deadly and illegal behavior.
The Lombard Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
- Designate a sober driver or make a plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.
- Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely. They will thank you later.
- Always buckle up!
The holiday enforcement campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.