Traffic Safety Campaigns Ramped Up For Labor Day In Lake County: Sheriff

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Local law enforcement agencies will be more visible on Lake County roads in the coming weeks leading up to Labor Day. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is participating with over 200 police departments in Illinois for the statewide effort as part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," "Drive High Get a DUI," and "Click It or Ticket" campaigns.

The increased efforts began last Friday and run through Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day. Deputies will be focused on stopping impaired driving and reducing other dangerous driving behaviors.

In addition, the LCSO will be enforcing seat belt laws as part of the "Click It or Ticket" initiative. Buckling up is the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash, according to the sheriff's office. They're asking everyone in the vehicle — front seat or back — to be properly buckled, every trip.

In addition to alcohol, officers will be on the lookout for drivers impaired by cannabis and other drugs. Messages like "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Drive High Get a DUI" are part of a statewide education and enforcement effort aimed at saving lives.

The local effort is part of a larger statewide campaign supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, which administers the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket" campaigns with federal highway safety funds. The initiative is reinforced by IDOT's "It's Not a Game" media campaign running across radio, TV and digital platforms to highlight the deadly consequences of impaired driving.