June 15, 2023 – The Decatur Police Department announced increased traffic enforcement now until the morning hours of July 5, with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers, as part of efforts to promote safe driving before and during Independence Day celebrations.
“It’s simple: if you’re driving, don’t drink, use marijuana or other drugs,” said Sgt. Steve Hagemeyer in a press release. “Our officers will be working around the clock to keep impaired drivers off the roads and enforce all other traffic laws. We’re doing it to save lives.”
DPD’s campaign is part of a larger effort to promote safe driving over the following weeks, with over 200 local police departments and the Illinois State Police launching similar programs. DPD and other police departments across the state recommended the following tips to ensure a safe holiday.
- Designate a sober driver and give them vehicle keys before going out.
- Don’t allow friends or family members to drive under the influence.
- If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, don’t drive yourself home. Take public transit, use a ride-share app or call a sober friend or family member to pick you up.
- Ensure everyone in your vehicle wears seatbelts. Wearing seatbelts complies with the law and provides the best defense against impaired drivers.
- Promptly report intoxicated drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and calling 911.
Independence Day campaigns will run in coordination with other Illinois Department of Transportation safe driving initiatives, including “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High, Get a DUI,” “Click it or Ticket” and “It’s Not a Game.”
