Will County to Begin Holiday Enforcement Crackdown

The Will County Sheriff's Office announced last week it would begin its late-night plans for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket" enforcement crackdown throughout the holiday season.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways, a release said. The data also shows this time of evening has the highest percentage of driving under the influence incidents and the lowest safety belt usage rate.

"The numbers do not lie," said Sgt. Steve Byland. "We will be stepping up our late night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up."

Locally, Bolingbrook Lieutenant Mike Rompa said the would not be altering its enforcement and will be keeping an eye out for impaired drivers as usual.

The county also offered these safety tips to avoid tragedy:

• 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/family member to get you home safe.
• Use your community's designated driver program.  Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the road to law enforcement.
• Always wear your safety belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up!  It is your best defense against an impaired driver.