Oswego Police Up Enforcement For 3 Weeks Surrounding 4th Of July Holiday

OSWEGO, IL — Oswego police are upping their enforcement of traffic laws around the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

The campaign, focusing on unbuckled and impaired drivers, began June 20 and runs through July 7, encompassing three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.

The Oswego Police Department joins Illinois State Police and more than 200 police and sheriff's departments for the statewide effort. Wearing seat belts is not only a law but also the best defense against an impaired driver, according to a news release.

"We're asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely," Cathy Nevara, the Oswego police spokesperson, said in a statement. "It's simple: If you're driving, don't drink or use cannabis or other impairing substances. Our officers will be working diligently to keep impaired drivers off the road and ensure everyone is buckled up."

Police provided a list of tips to ensure safe celebrations:

• Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
• If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other drug, call a taxi, take public transit, use a ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report impaired drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," "Drive High Get a DUI" and "Click It or Ticket" campaigns are paid for using federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.