Burr Ridge Police Begin Labor Day Crackdown

The has announced plans for a late-night Labor Day crackdown against impaired driving, called the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

"The intensified enforcement effort against the overwhelming number of late-night impaired drivers and safety belt violators underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during late-night hours," said the department in a press announcement.

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. The data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest safety belt usage rate.

“The numbers do not lie. We will be stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up,” said Deputy Chief Tim Vaclav. “In Burr Ridge/DuPageCounty, remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

The Burr Ridge Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired as two simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. The department also offered the following tips:

• 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 or family member to get you home safely.
• Use your community’s designated driver program
• Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement
• Wear your safety belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.