Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2015
CONTACT: Sgt. Richard Wolfer (847) 982-5967

Skokie Police Department Begins Late-Night Enforcement Crackdown
Impaired drivers and seat belt law violators targeted

Skokie, IL – The Skokie Police Department today announced its late-night plans for the 2015 ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ Impaired Driving Crackdown focusing on the deadliest time of day for motor vehicle fatalities. The intensified enforcement effort against the overwhelming number of late-night impaired drivers and seat belt law violators emphasizes the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during late-night hours.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roads. The data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest occupant restraint use.

“The Skokie Police Department is ramping up its enforcement this summer to make our roads safer,” 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 drunk driving - no excuses. And ‘Click It or Ticket’ means just that.

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, July 17-18, 2015, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m.,
8700 Skokie Blvd., Skokie IL

Saturday, July 18-19, 2015, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m.,
5200 Touhy Ave, 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 safely buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT’s Division of Transportation Safety and it runs concurrently with a media campaign that will remind motorists, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”