LITH Police Announce Memorial Day Driving Enforcement Crackdown

Lake in the Hills Police have announced plans for the 2013 Memorial Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Impaired Driving Crackdown.

The intensified enforcement campaign targets the "overwhelming" number of late-night impaired drivers and safety belt violators.

The crackdown underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during late-night hours, said Sgt. Eric Decker, supervisor of the Lake in the Hills Police Traffic Unit.

Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows the midnight to 3 a.m. time frame as the deadliest time on Illinois roadways, Decker said in a release.

Not coincidentally, data also shows the overnight hours have the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest safety belt usage rate.

“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,” said James Wales, Director of Police and Public Safety.

Lake in the Hills Police recommends residents think ahead and designate a sober driver. Friends and family should be alert and not allow their loved ones to drive impaired.

Other important tips include:

• Plan ahead.

• Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.

• If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

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

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

“Alcohol not only dangerously impairs your driving skills, it also impairs your judgment.  If you  had a few drinks and feel ‘buzzed,’ remember Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving,” Decker said.

Funding for the enforcement of impaired motorists is done in part with a grant awarded to Lake in the Hills Police by IDOT's STEP grant.

For more information contact Sgt. Eric Decker at 847-658-5676,  mailto:edecker@lith.org or edecker@lith.org.