The DeKalb Police Department begins Independence Day crackdown on drunk drivers and seat belt law violators

The DeKalb Police Department today announced plans to step up Independence Day traffic enforcement, focusing on both drunk and unbuckled drivers. The intensified enforcement effort will concentrate on late-night hours as statistics show a disproportionate number of traffic deaths occur late at night and involve a drunk driver and/or unbuckled motorist. The crackdown is part of the statewide, Independence Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket effort.

The DeKalb Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and hundreds of police and sheriff’s departments throughout Illinois in a statewide enforcement effort that begins June 22 and runs through July 5.

To avoid a potential crash or drunk driving arrest, the DeKalb Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family members drive drunk. Other important tips include:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
• If you are drunk, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
• 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.