Oak Lawn Police Crack Down On Scary Drunken, Drugged Driving During Halloween Season

OAK LAWN, IL — With two big party weekends coming up before Halloween, don’t let a DUI pop your inflatable unicorn costume. Oak Lawn police are urging motorists to take it easy on the roads by staying sober, buckling up, and following traffic laws.

Oak Lawn police officers will be combing the streets from now through the early morning hours of Nov. 2, looking for signs of drunken, drugged and distracted drivers.

If you’re planning to partake in Halloween festivities, make sure you have a safe, sober ride home. Also, expect to see a lot of trick-or-treaters out on the streets on Friday, which happens to be Halloween. Remember, “It’s Not a Game.” And don’t even think about driving through our village streets without buckling your seatbelt.

“Alcohol and cannabis impair your ability to drive safely,” said Sgt. Nick Kumke, of the Oak Lawn Police Department. “That’s why it’s crucial to plan how you’ll get home before you head out-, whether you’ve been drinking or using any substance. And don’t forget to wear your seat belt every trip, every time. Planning ahead, driving sober, and buckling up will help keep you and others safe.”

DUIs are not limited to alcohol-related offenses. Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or drugs is illegal – period. While cannabis may be legal for adults, if you drive high, you’ll still get a DUI. Additionally, all vehicle occupants must wear their seat belts or risk a ticket.

Here are a few more time-honored tips to avoid trouble this Halloween:

• Plan a safe way to get home before attending any party.
• Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, use a ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member for a ride.
• Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as driving. Make sure you have a sober friend to walk you home if needed.
• Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers and crashes.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement as soon as it’s safe to do so.
• If you see someone who is impaired and about to drive, take their keys and help them find a safe way home.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” campaigns, along with increased traffic enforcement, are funded by federal highway safety grants administered by IDOT. These efforts are supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state. The campaigns are reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” initiative spotlighting safe driving and highway safety across Illinois.