Woodstock, Crystal Lake Announces Enhanced Enforcement for 4th of July Weekend

From the Woodstock Police Department:

MAKE SURE THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE ISN’T AFTER YOU: DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER

Woodstock, IL-The Fourth of July is celebrated by friends and families nationwide.

It’s a time for Americans to fire up the barbecue, hoist the flag, and grab a seat for that spectacular fireworks display.

But before you head out for the celebrations, make sure you plan for a sober way home.

Law enforcement in Woodstock, IL is taking part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign during the Fourth of July holiday period, June 29-July 5, 2019, to put an end to drunk driving.

In support of law enforcement’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see increased enforcement on the roads with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired.

During the 2017 Fourth of July holiday period (6 p.m. June 30 to 5:59 a.m. July 5), 237 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

These deaths accounted for 39 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic crashes that occurred over the holiday period.

The deaths also represent a 23-percent increase from 2016, during which 192 people were killed during the same holiday period.

That’s 237 families who will forever remember Independence Day with a heavy heart and nightmarish memories.

“We want to be very clear about the consequences of drunk driving,” said Chief John Lieb.

“In every state in this country, drunk driving is illegal. It’s also incredibly deadly, and a risk we don’t want to see people take. Make no mistake: If you are caught drinking and driving, you will be pulled over and arrested. Driving under the influence of any substance will land you a DUI.”

According to NHTSA, drunk driving accounted for 29 percent (10,874) of motor vehicle traffic crash-induced deaths in 2017.

With Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars will be on the roads.

The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is higher at night.

During the 2017 July 4th holiday period, of the 237 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 79 percent (187) of the alcohol-impaired fatalities occurred during nighttime hours (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.).

From the Crystal Lake Police Department:

Crystal Lake Police Department begins Fourth of July crackdown on impaired drivers and seat belt law violators

Crystal Lake, Illinois – Crystal Lake Police Department announced plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.

The safety campaign will run from June 28 through July 8 to encompass weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.

Every year, Americans head out on our roads to celebrate the Fourth of July at picnics, parties, parades and more.

Unfortunately, for many, the celebrating includes drinking alcohol, which too often leads to drunk driving on one of the most traveled holidays of the year.

In addition to looking for drunk drivers, the Crystal Lake Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest.

Other important tips include:

 Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
 If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
 Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and
dialing 911.
 Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. Not only is it the law, it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

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 Transportation. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences. Visit LifeOrDeathIllinois.com for more information.


Comments

Woodstock, Crystal Lake Announces Enhanced Enforcement for 4th of July Weekend — 3 Comments

  1. Why aren’t these cops going after uninsured, unlicensed drivers?

    Is it really bc of ‘too much paperwork?

    Or it bc it’s not PC?

    Or is it bc they won’t pay and other fish (gringos) are more lucrative to net?

  2. Uninsured, unlicensed illegal alien drivers!

    Why did Reick get a pass from the Woodstock PD?

  3. The 4th is on Thursday this year.

    The smart plan for Woodstock would be to target the enhanced enforcement campaign for the weekend after the 4th, not before.

    A lot of people will be taking 4 day weekends.

    Crystal Lake must have gotten a better handout from the State, because they’re doing both weekends.

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