20240304 24-01 St. Patrick's Day campaignNEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/04/2024
CONTACT: Ofc. K. Yager #70
This St. Patrick’s Day, plan before you party!
Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Oak Brook, IL– St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and many Illinoisans will be
celebrating with parades and parties featuring green beer and cocktails. To remind
motorists of the dangers of drunk driving and to help keep our streets safe, Oak Brook
Police Department is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of
Transportation for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign.
“Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol
consumption will increase both that day and throughout the weekend,” said Chief Brian
Strockis. “We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, starting with a plan for a sober ride
home before you leave the house.”
St. Patrick’s Day can be a dangerous one on America’s roads due to increased alcohol
consumption and drunk driving. There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes over
the St. Patrick’s Day holiday between 2017 and 2021.
In addition to looking for alcohol- and cannabis-impaired drivers, the Oak Brook Police
Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt
usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and all traffic laws will be strictly
enforced.
Whether you’re attending a party, hosting friends or going out to a bar, keep safety at the
forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated
driver is sober. Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a
sober friend to walk home with you. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers
who may not obey street signs.
The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds
from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by IDOT.
###
Approved by: BS-COP
KY#70 20240304 24-01