LITH Police Step up Enforcement for Holidays

The Lake in the Hills Police Department is stepping up enforcement efforts in coming weeks with the hopes of helping everyone get home safely over the holidays.

The enforcement campaign will run from Dec. 17 through Jan. 1 and the police department will be focused on keeping drunken drivers off the roads, according to a LITH Police Department press release.

"We know the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America's roadways due to drunken driving," said Sgt. Eric Decker with the Lake in the Hills Police Department. "Taking a risk on having your 2012 end in an arrest or death is just not worth it."

During a Thanksgiving campaign, which took place from Nov. 12 through Nov. 25, LITH Police arrested three people for driving under the influence, 34 vehicles were stopped for violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code and 53 citations were issued, according to the news release.

The police department offers the following tips for staying safe during the holiday season:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
• If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation
• If you happen to see a drunken driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver's keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely

"The message is simple, drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle," said James Wales, directory of police and public safety for the Lake in the Hills Police Department.