Despite most area fireworks shows being canceled for the July Fourth celebration, revelers are expected to be out for the weekend holiday to mark the United State’s independence.
As such, the Galesburg Police Department is stepping up traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers during the holiday weekend.
The safety campaign started Monday, June 15, and will run through the early morning hours of Monday, July 6, to encompass three summer weekends, leading up to and after Independence Day.
“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said Lt. Daniel Hostens with the GPD. “It’s simple: if you’re driving, don’t drink, use marijuana, or other drugs. Our officers will be working around the clock to keep impaired drivers off the road and enforce all other traffic laws.”
The police force will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies for the increased statewide enforcement effort.
Some tips are being provided to ensure a happy and safe holiday:
- Designate a sober driver and give them your keys before you go out.
- Don’t let friends or family members drive under the influence.
- If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It’s not only the law but also your best defense against an impaired driver.
The Illinois Department of Transportation administers federal traffic safety funds for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” programs.
The enforcement period runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences.
Visit LifeOrDeathIllinois.com for more information.