This Independence Day, the Lombard Police Department is reminding motorists that if you are under the influence of alcohol or cannabis and choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself. During the Fourth of July holiday, make sure you plan ahead for a safe weekend of festivities.
Lombard Police will have extra patrols on the road, cracking down on drunk and impaired drivers and seat belt violators from June 17- July 6, including a roadside safety checkpoint on Friday, July 2nd on Roosevelt Rd.
In 2019, 10,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, according to NHTSA. With Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars will be on the roads at night.
“We fully understand that residents are looking forward to the return of many Independence Day traditions but we’re reminding people about the most important one – driving sober,” said Lombard Police Traffic Safety Unit Officer Daniel Herrera. “As you’re making plans this Fourth of July, do your family and community a favor by planning ahead for a sober ride home.”
From 2015 to 2019, 1,339 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the 4th of July holiday period, with nighttime hours proving especially dangerous: Over the 2019 July 4th holiday period, of the 198 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, almost 4 out of 5 (79%) of them occurred in nighttime crashes (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.).
Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or use a ride service or public transportation to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
- Friends don’t let friends drive buzzed. If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take their keys and make arrangements for them to get home safe.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of