All too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations turn deadly because of impaired driving. As the St. Patrick’s Day weekend approaches, the Lombard Police Department is joining local law enforcement across the state to stop impaired driving and help save lives. The campaign will run from March 10 through March 19.
“This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, leading to more parties throughout the weekend,” said Traffic Safety Unit Patrol Officer Dan Herrera. “If you’ve been drinking, using cannabis or any other impairing drug, we urge you to make the smart choice and plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely.”
In addition to looking for alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers, the Lombard Police Department will be stepping up seat-belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat-belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and other traffic laws will also be strictly enforced.
While designating a sober driver is the simplest way to avoid a tragic crash or DUI arrest, here are some additional tips to help you keep yourself and others safe:
- If you’re hosting, make sure to serve lots of food and include a variety of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
- If a friend is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.
- If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
- Always buckle up – it is your best defense in a crash.
- Remember, pedestrians are at risk, too. If you’re walking, keep an eye out for cars. If you’re driving, remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.
The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.