Romeoville PD To Increase Labor Day Enforcement Effort

ROMEOVILLE, IL — In a release Monday, the Romeoville Police Department announced plans for Labor Day traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers from Aug. 20 - Sept. 8.

"While celebrations marking the last days of summer may look different this year than in times past, the potential remains for an increase in the number of impaired drivers on the roads," said Sgt. Brian McClellan. "Impaired driving kills more than 10,000 people in the United States each year. Please plan ahead for a safe ride home before you leave the house. It truly is a matter of life or death."

During the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign, motorists in the village can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat-belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat-belt usage rates are at their lowest.

Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.

"If you’re celebrating this Labor Day, remember to designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive drunk. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times, making driving unsafe," the release said.

According to Illinois Department of Transportation data, there were 26 alcohol-related fatal crashes between 2012-2016, and 28 alcohol-related fatalities during the same period. These are crashes that occurred from 6:00 p.m. on the day before the first full day of the holiday period to 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the holiday period. In all these cases, at least one driver tested positive for alcohol.

The Labor Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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