Police to Crack Down on Impaired Drivers, Seat Belt Violations

Forest Park police will be cracking down on drunk drivers and seat belt violations during the holidays.

Police are joining the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police "to save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt and impaired driving laws," according to a news release from Forest Park police. 

"The goal of the Forest Park Police Department is to keep streets safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road," the release reads. 

Police will also conduct a roadside safety check Saturday, Nov. 23, between midnight and 3 a.m. in the 900 block of Harlem Avenue. 

The following tips to avoid violations are from the Village of Oak Park: 

Designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family members drive drunk are the two most effective ways to avoid a crash or arrest for driving under the influence, police say. Other tips include the following:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person the 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 a seat belt. It is the best defense against a drunk driver.