Rockford police to crack down on late-night enforcement

Staff Report

The Rockford Police announced plans for the 2011 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Impaired Driving Crackdown, the intensified enforcement against the overwhelming number of late-night impaired drivers and safety belt violators.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways. Not coincidentally, the data also show this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest safety belt usage rate.

The Rockford Police Department will be stepping up late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up. It is always wise to:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.

• If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

• Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.

• Wear your safety belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

From the Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011, issue