The Evanston Police Department begins July 4th Crackdown on Drunk Drivers and Seat Belt Law Violators
The Evanston Police Department today announced its plans for July 4th traffic enforcement, focusing on both drunk and unbuckled drivers. The intensified enforcement effort will focus on late-night hours as statistics show a disproportionate number of traffic deaths occur late at night and involve a drunk 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.
“The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays due to an increase in drunk-driving fatalities,” said Cmdr. Jay Parrott. “Too many people die behind the wheel each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our officers will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for drunk drivers.”
The Evanston Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and over 200 local police and sheriff’s departments in a statewide enforcement effort that begins June 22 and runs through July 4th.
The Evanston Police Department recommends two of many tips to avoid a potential crash or arrest involving drunk driving such as designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family members drive drunk. Other important tips include:
- Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
- If you are drunk, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
- Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911;
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against a drunk driver.
The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign that reminds motorists, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.”