Crime & Safety

Northbrook Police Offer St. Patrick's Driving Advice

Increased safety checks and patrol officers will be on duty to protect the public from impaired drivers.

St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday, March 17, and the Northbrook Police Department has issued a public statement warning drivers of increased traffic safety checks over the weekend.

Beginning Thursday, Mach 14 and continuing through St. Patrick’s Day, the Illinois Department of Transportation is allocating more than $300,000 to fund roadside safety checks and patrol officers to protect against impaired drivers.

“There is no excuse for driving while impaired. It is irresponsible and it’s deadly,” Northbrook traffic officer, Christopher Lacina, said in a press release. “Motorists are also reminded to buckle-up to ensure a safe holiday weekend.”

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Police also offered the following advice:

If you are hosting a party:

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  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired driving crash.
  • Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
  • Serve plenty of food and be sure to include non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
  • Keep 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 party:

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
  • If you do not have a designated driver: ask a sober friend for a ride home, 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 he or she is about to drive while impaired.
  • Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against an impaired driver.

For more information about the IDOT Division of Traffic Safety’s impaired driving and safety campaigns, go to http://www.dot.state.il.us/safety.html.


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