University of Illinois Chicago Police Department announces Labor Day traffic safety campaign targeting impaired and dangerous driving
FOR RELEASE: August 2024
(Chicago, IL) - The University of Illinois Chicago Police Department (UICPD) is kicking off a traffic safety campaign aimed at reducing impaired driving and other hazardous driving behaviors such as distracted driving and failure to use seat belts. With powerful messages like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket,” this high-visibility enforcement initiative will run from Aug. 28 through the early morning hours of Sept. 3, encompassing Labor Day weekend.
“We want our community to understand the importance of making smart decisions behind the wheel on Labor Day and every day,” said Justin Wooden, captain of internal affairs and community outreach. “While our goal is voluntary compliance, drivers should expect strict enforcement of all traffic laws on and around the UIC campus roadways every day.”
UICPD is collaborating with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to support this statewide effort.
In addition to targeting impaired drivers, the campaign will emphasize the "Click It or Ticket" initiative, underscoring the importance of wearing seat belts. Buckling up is the single-most effective way to protect yourself in a crash. Whether driving across town or across the country and whether riding in the front seat or back, seat belts should always be worn.
When celebrating, it’s important to designate a sober driver. Do not let friends or family members drive drunk, high or impaired by other drugs. Even a small amount of alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substance can impair judgment and reaction times, making driving unsafe.
The Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal dollars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.