Batavia Police Up Enforcement For 3 Weeks Surrounding 4th Of July Holiday

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia police are upping their enforcement of traffic laws around the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

The "high-visibility" campaign, focusing on impaired drivers, began June 20 and runs through July 7, encompassing three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.

Officers will also increase enforcement of seat belt use, speeding and distracted driving violations. The Batavia Police Department is joining the Illinois State Police and more than 200 police and sheriff's departments for the statewide effort.

"As with any long holiday weekend, we expect increased celebrations throughout the weekend leading up to the Fourth of July Holiday," Chief Eric Blowers said in a statement. "We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly. Please plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house — your safety and the safety of others depends on it."

Police provided a list of tips to ensure safe celebrations:

• Driving under the influence — whether of alcohol or drugs — is never safe or acceptable. Always designate a sober driver, or plan to use public transportation or a ride-share service to get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
• If you see a friend about to drive while impaired, take the keys and help arrange a safe way for them to get home.
• Always buckle up.

The campaign is paid for using federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.