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Skokie Police Department begins Independence Day crackdown on impaired drivers and seat belt law violators

Skokie – Skokie Police Department today announced plans to step up Independence Day traffic enforcement, focusing on both impaired and unbuckled drivers. The intensified enforcement effort will concentrate on late-night hours as statistics show a disproportionate number of traffic deaths occur late at night and involve an impaired driver and/or unbuckled motorist. The crackdown is part of the statewide, Independence Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket effort.

“Skokie Police Department is ramping up its enforcement to make our roads safer this Independence Day,” said Sergeant Richard Wolfer. “For everyone’s sake, don’t drink and drive or you will be arrested. The ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign means zero tolerance for impaired driving—no excuses. And “Click It or Ticket” means just that.”

Skokie Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and hundreds of police and sheriff’s departments throughout Illinois in a statewide enforcement effort that begins June 22 and runs through July 5.

To avoid a potential crash or impaired driving arrest, the Skokie Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family members drive impaired. 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 by pulling over and dialing 911; and
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT.