Full Notification

Skokie Police Department Begins "Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, cracking down on impaired drivers, seat belt violators.

Skokie, IL - From November 07 through November 30, The Skokie Police Department will be out in force as part of the annual Illinois "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on impaired drivers. The statewide crackdown will include high-visibility alcohol and seat belt enforcement throughout Skokie.

The statewide crackdown will also be supported by national and state paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb impaired driving during the holiday season.

"Our officers will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired," said Sergeant Richard Wolfer. Additionally, front and back seat belt law violators will be ticketed.

Data shows the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of impaired drivers on the roads, and the Skokie Police Department is prepared to stop and arrest any impaired driver they see.

Several DUI roadside safety checkpoints in conjunction with several saturation patrols will take place in the early morning hours during this upcoming holiday period. The dates, times, and locations of these checkpoints are as follows:

Friday, November 07-08, 2014, 11:15 p.m. - 3:15 a.m., 5005 Dempster St, Skokie IL

Saturday, November 08-09, 2014, 11:15 p.m. - 3:15 a.m., 8700 McCormick Blvd, Skokie IL

The Skokie Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
• If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;
• Wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.