Lake Co. Increases Police Presence On Roads Over Thanksgiving

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police and other local law enforcement agencies across the state will increase enforcement efforts over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with the hopes of encouraging safer driving and decrease injuries and fatalities in crashes. The Lake County Sheriff's Office's campaign, which runs from Nov. 22 through Dec. 2, is focused on impaired and unbuckled vehicle occupants, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

The increased statewide effort will get underway during one of the busiest travel times of the year, according to the news release.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 15 motor vehicle crash fatalities happened in the state over the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Five of the 15 deaths occurred in crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking, according to the news release.

"We constantly remind the community not to drive impaired. It’s simply not worth the loss of life or a costly arrest," said Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg. "Plan on a sober driver, ride share, or taxi to get you home after an evening of celebrating.”

The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns are funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences.

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