Full Notification

SKOKIE POLICE DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2012
CONTACT: Crime Prevention Unit (847) 982-5900

The Skokie Police Department Begins Enforcement Crackdown
Steps Up Enforcement Focusing on Impaired Driving, Seat Belt Enforcement


Skokie, IL – The Skokie Police Department today announced its late-night plans for the 2012 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over/Click It or Ticket” crackdown. The intensified enforcement effort against impaired drivers and seat belt law violators underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths involving alcohol and unbelted motorists. The stepped-up enforcement will begin August 17 and run through Labor Day, September 3. Enforcement efforts will concentrate on the deadly nighttime hours.

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 seat 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 Sergeant David Pawlak. “In Skokie, the message is simple… Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket.”

Several DUI roadside safety checkpoints in conjunction with several saturation patrols will take place in the early morning hours during this upcoming holiday period. The dates, times, and locations of these checkpoints are as follows:

Friday, August 17 – 18, 2012, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m.,
8700 Skokie Blvd, Skokie IL

Saturday, August 18 – 19, 2012, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m.,
8700 McCormick Blvd, Skokie IL

Friday, August 24 – 25, 2012, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m.,
5005 Dempster St., Skokie IL

Sunday, September 02 – 03, 2012, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m.,
5200 Touhy Ave, Skokie IL
The Skokie Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. 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 seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The law enforcement crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign that will remind motorists, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.”