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Police to increase patrols for St. Patrick's Day

March 12, 2020 - The Oak Park Police Department is conducting special patrols over St. Patrick's Day weekend in an effort to arrest impaired drivers and encourage the use of seat belts.

“We urge everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day responsibly,” said Police Chief LaDon Reynolds. “We’ll be out in force to keep impaired drivers off the roads and help ensure that everyone makes it home safely.”

Celebrated throughout the country, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to the number of drunk drivers on the road. If you’ll be drinking or using another impairing substance, plan ahead for a sober ride home.

If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

  • Remember, you can be held liable if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.
  • Make sure your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
  • Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Download a ride-sharing app on your phone to help partygoers, and keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy.
  • Take keys away from anyone who is trying to drive impaired.

If you’re going out for St. Patrick’s Day:

  • Designate a sober driver ahead of time, and give that person your keys.
  • If you don’t have a designated driver, call a cab, use ride-sharing, have a sober friend or family member pick you up, or stay where you are and sleep it off.
  • Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they’re about to drive impaired.
  • Buckle up – it’s your best defense in a crash.

Pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Designated drivers should remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs and pedestrian signals.

The Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information about the Oak Park Police Department, visit www.oak-park.us/police, email police@oak-park.us or call 708.386.3800.