The Gurnee Police Department will take part in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign by conducting special patrols during this St. Patrick’s Day holiday period to curtail impaired drivers and late-night safety belt law violators.

Designate a sober driver and do not let friends drive impaired are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash;
• Make sure all of your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers;
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party;
• Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys;
• If you do not have a designated driver, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired;
• Always buckle up – it is still your best defense against an impaired driver.

These campaigns are funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation, Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.