Lockport Police Kick Off Fourth Of July Traffic Campaign

LOCKPORT, IL — Lockport Police Department announced its plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign will run from Thursday through July 6 to encompass three weekends leading up to and following the Independence Day holiday, one of the deadliest times on Illinois roads, police said.

“We want all our residents and visitors to have an enjoyable and safe holiday,” police said in a release. “Remember – if you’re going to drink or use other impairing substances, don’t drive. We will be stepping up patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads and ensure everyone makes it home from their celebrations.”

Lockport Police will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s
departments for the increased statewide enforcement effort.

Police advised designating a sober driver ahead of time, not driving distracted and to always wear your seatbelt. Police also gave several more safety tips:

• Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
• If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, or call a family member to get you home safely.
• Use your favorite ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft or use public
  transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is the best defense
  against an impaired driver.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, according to a release. The campaign runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences.