The Evanston Police Department today announced its plans for July 4th traffic enforcement, focusing on both drunk and unbuckled drivers.
The crackdown will focus on late-night hours. Statistics show a disproportionate number of traffic deaths occur late at night and involve a drunk drivers and unbuckled motorists.
“The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays due to an increase in drunk-driving fatalities,” said Cmdr. Jay Parrott. “Too many people die behind the wheel each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our officers will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for drunk drivers.”
The Evanston Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and over 200 local police and sheriff’s departments in a statewide enforcement effort that begins Friday and runs through Independence Day.
Police say people going to events where they may drink should designate a sober driver and lot let friends or family members drive drunk.
Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911;
Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against a drunk driver.
The law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety.