Algonquin Police Stepping Up Holiday Enforcement

The Algonquin Police Department will be stepping up impaired driving and late-night safety belt enforcement during this holiday season as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns. 

The intensified enforcement effort to combat late-night impaired driving and safety belt violations underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during late-night hours and will continue until the New Year.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways.  The data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest safety belt usage rate.

Illinois Christmas Statistics:

• Data shows during last year’s Christmas Holiday (6 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2010 – 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2010), nine people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes and one of those fatalities involved a drinking driver.

• 515 people were injured during the Christmas Holiday last year.

Illinois New Year’s Holiday Statistics:

• Data shows during last year’s New Year’s holiday (6 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2010 – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 2), six people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes and 2 of those fatalities involved a drinking driver.

• 331 people were injured during the New Year’s holiday last year.

The numbers do not lie.  We will be stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up.  As just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving, I would like to remind all motorists that it is imperative to designate a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired. 

Other important tips include:

1. Plan ahead.  Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person all car keys.

2. If you are impaired, call a taxi or a friend or family member to get you home safely.

3. Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.

4. Always wear your safety belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up.  It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

As a final safety reminder, the Algonquin Police Department would like to let everyone know that beginning Jan. 1, a new Illinois Law will require ALL passengers to be buckled up no matter where you sit. 

The Algonquin Police Department would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.  Drive safe and Arrive Alive wherever your holiday travels may take you.

-Submitted by Sgt. Jeff Sutrick, Traffic Unit Supervisor for the Algonquin Police Department