Drunk Driving To Be Heavily Enforced For St. Paddy's: Bolingbrook PD

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Bolingbrook police will be on the lookout for alcohol- and cannabis-impaired drivers over the St. Patrick's Day holiday, officials announced Tuesday.

This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on Sunday, March 17. Police said the holiday can be one of the most dangerous in the United States due to increased alcohol consumption and drunk driving. Over the holiday weekend between 2017 and 2021, 272 people died in drunk-driving-related crashes, officials said.

Officers will also be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when usage is typically the lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and all traffic laws will be strictly enforced, police said.

Bolingbrook police are teaming up with Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation for the enforcement campaign, paid for by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.

Ahead of the holiday, police provided tips for those celebrating:

• Drunk or high, it doesn’t matter. It is never okay to drive impaired. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and plan to get your friend home safely.
• Always buckle up.