St. Patrick’s Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Enforcement Campaign
ST. PATRICK'S DAY DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 16 March 2021
For Information, please feel free to contact: uicpd@uic.edu
This St. Patrick’s Day, plan before you party Remember: ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’
(Chicago, IL) – With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, The University of Illinois at Chicago Police Department (UICPD) is reminding motorists to plan ahead for a sober ride home to keep celebrations from turning deadly.
The St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“We understand people are looking for a reason to celebrate, but we urge you to do so safely,” said Lieutenant of Patrol, Lt. Christopher Ziegler. “While festivities may look different this year, the basics remain the same: If you’ll be drinking, using cannabis, or another impairing substance, make the right choice to find a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely.”
In addition to patrolling for alcohol and drug-impaired drivers, UICPD will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speed limits and distracted driving laws will also be strictly enforced.
Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive impaired are two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for driving under the influence.
Other important tips:
- If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call Night Ride if you are on or around UIC campus. If you are off campus, please call a cab or ride share, sober friend or family member to pick you up, or if you are in a safe place, stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
- Buckle up. It is your best defense in the event of a crash.
- Remember, pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. If you are driving, remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.