Oak Park, River Forest Police Plan Holiday Crackdown on Impaired Drivers

River Forest police will be out in force starting Dec. 20 as part of a statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk drivers. The statewide crackdown runs until Jan. 5 in River Forest and Jan. 3 in Oak Park, and will include high-visibility alcohol and belt enforcement, focusing on both drunk and unbuckled drivers, according to a news release from River Forest police.

The River Forest Police Department is giving fair warning to all partygoers.  “You’ll see us making lots of stops during this highly visible enforcement period and if we suspect anyone is driving while intoxicated, officers will show zero tolerance for drunk driving,” River Forest Police Chief Gregory Weiss said in a statement. “(We) will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk.  In addition, front and back seat belt law violators will be ticketed.”

Data shows the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of drunk drivers on the roads, and the River Forest Police Department is prepared to stop and arrest any drunk driver they see to keep roads safe, according to the release.

The numbers don't lie, Oak Park Deputy Police Chief Anthony Ambrose said in a statement. 

"That is why we will be stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts. We want to make sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up.”    

Weiss added, “The December holiday season is the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ and we are going to keep our roads safe for travelers heading to visit friends and family... This holiday, we will show zero tolerance for drunk drivers on the road. If you choose to drive drunk, we will see you, we will stop you and you will be arrested.  Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk. So don’t take the chance."

Ambrose provided steps to avoid a crash or impaired driving arrest: Designate a sober driver and do not let friends and family drive impaired. 

Other important tips include:

• 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;
• Always wear your safety belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

Information courtesy of a news release from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments.