Oak Lawn Police To Maintain High Visibility Over The New Year Holiday

OAK LAWN, IL — The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and celebration. To help make sure those celebrations don’t end in tragedy, the Oak Lawn Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois in a major traffic safety effort.

From now through Jan. 5, Oak Lawn officers will take part in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI.” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns. These enforcement efforts are supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s statewide outreach program, “It’s Not a Game,” which reminds motorists that driving is serious business.

“This season, let’s make safety our shared priority,” said Sgt. Nick Kumke of the Oak Lawn Police Department. “If you plan to drink or use impairing substances, plan ahead for a sober ride home and always wear your seat belt. Driving impaired isn’t just dangerous; it’s unacceptable. We’ll be out in full force, and no excuses will be accepted.”

Oak Lawn police urge everyone to take the following steps to prevent impaired driving and reduce the severity of crashes:

• Plan ahead: Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or arrange for a ride-sharing service.
• Report dangers: If you spot an impaired driver, pull over safely and contact your local law enforcement agency or non-emergency number).
• Be a hero: Stop a friend from driving impaired by taking their keys and helping them get home safely.
• Buckle up: It’s your best defense against impaired drivers and one of the simplest ways to save a life.
• Slow down and stay focused: Obey the speed limit and avoid distractions such as texting, scrolling or gaming while driving.

This campaign is made possible through federal highway safety funds administered by IDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.