The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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This St. Patrick's Day, a designated driver is your lucky charm

March 11, 2024 – With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, the Oak Park Police Department is reminding motorists that officers will be out in full force to keep roads safe from the dangers of drunk driving.

“Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol consumption will increase both that day and throughout the weekend,” said Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson. “We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, starting with a plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house.”

St. Patrick’s Day can be a dangerous one on America’s roads due to increased alcohol consumption and drunk driving. There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday between 2017 and 2021.

In addition to looking for alcohol- and cannabis-impaired drivers, the Oak Park Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and all traffic laws will be strictly enforced.

The campaign runs through March 18.

Whether you’re attending a party, hosting friends or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is sober.

Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.

Other important tips:

  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.
  • Make sure all 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 drunk.
  • Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your keys.
  • If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, 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 drunk.
  • Always buckle up.

The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information about the Oak Park Police Department, visit www.oak-park.us/police, email police@oak-park.us or call 708.386.3800.