Oswego Police Join Crackdown on Drunk Driving

From August 16 through Labor Day, the Oswego police will be out in force as part of the annual Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk drivers.  

The statewide crackdown will include high-visibility alcohol and belt enforcement throughout the Village of Oswego and will run from August 16 through September 2, 2013. 

The effective statewide crackdown will also be supported by national and state paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb drunk driving.

The Oswego Police Department said its officers will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk.  In addition, seat belt law violators will be ticketed. 

Although 0.08 BAC is the illegal limit in all 50 States, far too many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol.  The latest statistics underscore the serious nature of the nation’s continuing drunk driving epidemic.

“Every year in Illinois, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more drunk drivers or motorcycle operators," said Captain Jeff Burgner. He added that holidays like Labor Day are particularly dangerous. 

"Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.  By joining this effort, we will help make Oswego roads safer for everyone throughout the Labor Day period," said Burgner.

“We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel drunk is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, not only does drinking impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should drive.  If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel.  If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested.  No warnings.  No excuses,” said Burgner.

"In addition, the Oswego Police Department will be stepping up seat belt law enforcement, especially during the all-too-dangerous late night hours when seat belt use is lowest," added Burgner. "Zero tolerance will be shown for seat belt violators - in the front and back seat."

Being arrested for driving drunk brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life.  Drunk drivers face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job.  When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators also often face tremendous personal embarrassment.

"Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk.  So don’t take the chance. Remember, we will be out in force and we will be watching, so 'drive sober or get pulled over,' said Burgner.

The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.