Don't Drink and Drive: Police Plan Labor Day Crackdown

For many people, it's the last hurrah of the summer, but police will be out in full force this Labor Day weekend making sure motorists don't put themselves and others at risk by overindulging in alcohol.

Citing the "disproportionate number of traffic deaths involving alcohol and unbelted motorists," Will County Sheriff's police began a stepped-up late-night enforcement on Aug. 17, lasting through Labor Day on Sept. 3.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, midnight to 3 a.m. is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways — and is also the time of day with the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and lowest seat belt usage rate.

"The numbers do not lie. We will be stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up," said Sgt. Steve Byland.

will also be stepping up late-night enforcement by conducting enforcement on foot at seat belt enforcement zones and "roving patrols" to stay on the lookout for impaired drivers, according to a press release.

Plainfield will team with Shorewood, Will County and Illinois State Police for a roadside safety check along Route 59 on Saturday, Sept. 1. 

To avoid an alcohol-related tragedy, Plainfield police recommend designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family drive drunk. Police also shared the following tips:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
• If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.
• Wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The Labor Day law enforcment crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety.