Crystal Lake Police Crack Down On Alcohol, Drugs For St. Patrick's Day

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Crystal Lake Police will be on the lookout for drivers that are operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs as part of an upcoming campaign geared around the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Police said that too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations become deadly because of impaired driving. To cut down on serious or fatal accidents involving impaired drivers, Crystal Lake Police say they will also be cracking down on drivers who are not wearing seatbelts during an enforcement campaign, which is slated to begin on Friday.

The enforcement period will run through March 19 and police said in addition to seeking out drivers who may be driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances, officers will also be strictly enforcing speeding and distracted driving offenses.

The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is being funded by federal safety dollars that are administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Local residents are encouraged to appoint a designated driver to help eliminate the risk of serious or fatal accidents that police said are often associated with celebrations surrounding St. Patrick’s Day.