Gurnee, IL – The Gurnee Police Department started conducting increased impaired driver enforcement activities throughout the village on January 28th and the program will run through February 6th, 2010.

During Super Bowl Sunday, 48% of all U.S. traffic fatalities are alcohol-related according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA also reports that young males, ages 21 to 34, are most likely to drive while impaired and least likely to wear their seat belts.*

Funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these enforcement actions are being conducted in order to remove drunk and drugged drivers from the roadways.
 

Officers will also be focusing on open transportation of alcohol, zero tolerance for those under 21 years of age, speeding, and safety restraint device usage.

While the football teams, site and times have been finalized, we are urging the public to also develop a game plan to prevent drunk driving during the upcoming Super Bowl activities.
 

Always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive impaired are just two of several simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest due to impaired driving.

Other important tips include:
 

• Call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
   
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement;
   
• Spend the night where the activity is being held and sleep it off;
   
• Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
  
   

“We will show zero tolerance for impaired drivers,” said Chief Robert Jones. “So remember, designate a sober driver before the party begins.”
 

* www.stopimpaireddriving.org/planners/sbs2009/resources/TalkingPoints09.doc