As long as I have been in law enforcement, I have never gotten used to the great sorrow I feel when I learn a person has died as a result of a car accident.  To make matters worse, all too often I learn that those involved in the crash were not buckled up or alcohol may have been a contributing factor.  This senseless loss of human life is a harsh reality here in Lake County and across Illinois, year after year.

Because we are committed to ending this tragedy, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will join with law enforcement in Illinois and throughout the nation for an intense crackdown on impaired drivers and late-night safety belt law violators during this holiday season.  The mobilization of our deputies began on Dec. 19 and will run through Jan. 1.

As sheriff’s deputies, our message during this crackdown and all year long is clear and unwavering: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket!  With stepped-up law enforcement throughout Illinois-including roadside safety checks and safety belt enforcement zones-if we catch you driving impaired, you will face serious consequences.  If you are not wearing your seatbelt, you will be fined.  We do it to save lives.

Happy Holidays and please, remember to celebrate responsibly.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Mark C. Curran, Jr.