Naperville police said they are increasing their patrols in the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day in hopes of preventing accidents caused by drunken driving.

“We are reminding everyone this weekend that if you drink and drive in Naperville this St. Patrick’s Day, you lose,” said Naperville Traffic Sgt. Lee Martin, in a written statement. “If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a sober driver before the party begins. Be responsible or risk a driving under the influence (arrest).”

Police said they will not only be cracking down on drunken drivers, but stepping up their seat belt enforcement. During the last five years in Illinois, 15 people have died in car accidents on St. Patrick’s Day, according to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Seven of those fatalities involved a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

During the same time frame, a total of 1,261 were injured in St. Patrick’s Day crashes. On the 2010 holiday in Illinois, one person died in an accident that didn't involve a driver who had been drinking. The upcoming law enforcement crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Naperville police encouraged everyone Friday to designate a sober driver before celebrating the upcoming holiday.

Other important tips included:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve alcohol to is involved in an impaired driving crash.
• Make sure all party 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 any party you may throw.
• Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking about driving impaired.
• Designate a sober driver before attending a party 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, a friend or family member to pick you up. Or, just stay where you are until you are sober.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think he or she is about to drive after drinking.
• Always buckle up – it is still your best defense against an impaired driver.