The Gurnee Police Department Reminds Motorists to Safely Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Gurnee, IL – The Gurnee Police Department will take part in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign March 16th – 19th  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.

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