Police: Special St. Patrick's Day Patrols Underway

If you decide to drink and drive, don’t count on the luck of the Irish to keep you out of trouble this St. Patrick’s Day.

The has started special patrols as part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over / Click It or Ticket” campaign. The police department said the enforcements were beginning Monday and will continue through March 20.

The department will be working over time and will have extra patrols seeking to identify and arrest anyone who is driving impaired or unbuckled, said Sgt. Lee Martin in a news release. 

Police suggest not letting impaired drivers behind the wheel and using a designated driver. In addition, the Naperville Police Department offered these tips:

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Party hosts can be held liable and prosecuted if someone served is involved in an impaired driving crash.
• Make sure all of 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 the party.
• Keep the 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 St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Designate a sober driver before a party and give that person your car keys.
• If you do not have a designated driver, 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 they are about to drive while impaired.
• Always buckle up – it is still your best defense against an impaired driver.