LZPD Cracking Down on Drunk Drivers in New Statewide Campaign

Lake Zurich Police Department will be one of the hundreds of police agencies cracking down on drunk drivers over the next few weeks as part of a statewide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

“If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel.  If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested.  No warnings.  No excuses,” Lake Zurich Chief P. Finlon said.

The campaign starts Aug. 16 through Sept. 2. It will include a media campaign throughout the state. Locally, Lake Zurich police will conduct high visibility alcohol and belt enforcement.

Although .08 blood alcohol content is the illegal limit in all 50 States, far too many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol, Finlon said.  The latest statistics underscore the serious nature of the nation’s continuing drunk driving epidemic.

“Every year in Illinois, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more drunk drivers or motorcycle operators,” Finlon said.

Holidays, like Labor Day, are particularly dangerous, he said.

“Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.  By joining this effort, we will help make Lake Zurich’s road safer for everyone throughout the Labor Day period,” he said.

Police will also be stepping up seat belt law enforcement, especially during late night hours when seat belt use is at its lowest, Finlon said. “Zero tolerance will be shown for seat belt law violators _ in the front and back seat.”

A drunk driving arrest brings a wide range of negative consequences, including court costs, attorney fees and higher insurance rates as well as personal embarrassment, he said.

“Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk.  So don’t take the chance.  Remember, we will be out in force and we will be watching, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’” Finlon said. 

The campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.