Kane County Initiative To Target Drunk Drivers On 'Blackout Wednesday'

KANE COUNTY, IL — This Thanksgiving, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office will work with police agencies across the county to tackle impaired driving on roads.

Called a "No-Refusal operation," the effort will take place the night before Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 28. The evening before is typically known as "Blackout Wednesday," when many gather to excessively drink.

The No-Refusal initiative will last from 11 p.m. Nov. 27 to 3 a.m. Nov. 28. It's designed to assist police in obtaining search warrants for people who refuse to submit to chemical testing after a DUI arrest. Kane County assistant state's attorneys will help officers through the process "to compel a DUI suspect to submit to a lawfully requested blood, breath or urine test."

Illinois courts have previously held that a person has no right to refuse chemical testing when probable cause exists, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office said in a news release.

This year's operation will be Kane County's 37th since the office began the program in 2008.

"The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for friends to celebrate being together," State's Attorney Jamie Mosser said in a statement. "We don't wish to discourage that, but when a person decides to drink to excess and get behind the wheel of a car, it places everyone at risk. Our goal with 'No-Refusal' operations is to make Kane County's roads safer. Individuals should be reminded that designated drivers, taxis, Uber and Lyft are all excellent options for getting home responsibly. My thanks to all law enforcement and ASAs who will be working during the operation."