Wilmette Police Increase Patrols For Holidays

WILMETTE, IL — Wilmette and state police promised increased patrols over the holiday season, warning motorists that if they risk a ticket by not wearing a seat belt or with an unbuckled child and arrest for impaired driving.

Drunk or drugged driving will not be tolerated and stepped-up seat belt roadside safety checks will be in place throughout the village and the state, police said. Drivers need to make the smart decision to drive sober throughout the holiday season and every day, according to Wilmette Police Sgt. David Sweet.

"Impaired driving remains a huge problem in Illinois and our country, and if arresting someone is what it takes to stop this deadly crime, so be it," Sweet said in a statement. "Drive sober to help us put an end to these senseless crashes."

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the 4.8 percent of occupants of vehicles who do not wear seat beats represent more than 50 percent of those killed in traffic crashes.

“Wearing your seat belt is second nature for most, but we’re looking for the few Illinois motorists who skip this lifesaving step,” Sweet said. “During the holidays and throughout the year, motorists on Wilmette roads can expect to be ticketed if they are unbelted.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation administers federal highway safety funds towards the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaigns. The Wilmette Police Department is participating with nearly 200 local law enforcement agencies.