Crime & Safety

Wheaton Police: 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'

Police will be cracking down on drunk drivers and drivers who violate the seatbelt law this holiday season.

The Wheaton Police Department will intensify its efforts against drunk drivers and seatbelt law violators this holiday season, police announced in a press release Monday.

"Enforcement efforts will concentrate on the deadly nighttime hours between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.," according to the release.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report that the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways. 

Beginning at 9 p.m. is when data shows that alcohol involvement and low seat belt use begins to play a much more significant role in motor vehicle fatalities. Data shows alcohol and lack of seat belt use continue throughout the nighttime hours until 6 a.m., according to the release.

The Wheaton Police Department will be stepping up late-night enforcement efforts, making sure drunk drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up.

The Wheaton Police Department highly recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive drunk as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Other important tips:

  • Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
  • If you are drunk, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
  • Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;
  • Wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against a drunk driver.

Information courtesy of a press release from the City of Wheaton.

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