Dupage Policy Journal

From now through Monday, Illinois law enforcers will scrutinize drivers extra closely to prevent alcohol-related injury or death as the Elmhurst Police Department joins the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

Drivers are advised that police officers will show “zero tolerance” for impaired driving and even seat belt violations — especially at night, when people are more likely to skip wearing their seat belts while riding in moving vehicles, Elmhurst Police Department Commander Jim Gandy said. Additionally, motorists will encounter more vigilant patrolling along with extra public service announcements over the weekend.

Supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Elmhurst Police Department is advising drivers of enhanced safety enforcements to prevent accidents.

To navigate safely on the road, Illinois residents should plan ahead by having contact numbers of close friends or family on hand and/or designated drivers. Motorists are also encouraged to report erratic driving by pulling over and calling 9-1-1.

The NHTSA stated that over 10,000 individuals perished in alcohol-related driving incidents in 2013, with 161 alone occurring on Labor Day. Of those holiday crashes, over one-third — 38 percent — involved drunk drivers.

NHTSA offers a free mobile app called SaferRide that can be downloaded via iTunes or Google Play and lets people contact a driver or taxi while pinpointing pickup location.