Kane County Sheriff's Deputies Step Up St. Patrick's Enforcement

ST. CHARLES, IL — As local residents begin their annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Kane County Sheriff’s deputies will be upping their enforcement of drunken driving and seatbelt enforcement for the next week.

The department announced Friday that the campaign will run through March 18 and will include deputies being out on the lookout for drivers who have been drinking behind getting behind the wheel.

Deputies will also be looking for drivers who are impaired by drugs and who may not be wearing their seatbelts during the week-long campaign. The effort is being conducted as a way of keeping local motorists safe. As the festivities begin, local law enforcement is urging residents to select a designated driver before venturing out.

Speeding and other traffic violations will also be part of the enhanced police coverage, county sheriff’s officials announced Friday.

“This St. Patrick’s Day, make your own luck by designating a sober driver,” Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said in a news release. “If you’ll be drinking, using cannabis, or partaking of any other impairing substance, planning ahead is the best way to ensure you and your friends make it home safely.”

The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.