During the days surrounding St. Patrick’s Day, the Aurora Police Department — along with other area law enforcement — will be participating in a traffic safety campaign meant to target impaired and dangerous driving.
The initiative is part of a statewide effort meant to keep the roads safe during “one of the most celebrated drinking holidays of the year,” the Aurora Police Department said in a Facebook post. The department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state to conduct roadside safety checks, seat belt enforcement zones and saturation patrols.
The traffic safety campaign will run from March 13 to March 23, the department said.
The Aurora Police Department is also encouraging residents to designate a sober driver before heading out, never let a friend drive impaired, always wear a seat belt and use a ride-share service, taxi or public transportation if drinking.
The St. Charles Police Department also recently announced that it would be participating in the campaign, as did the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
A press release from the Sheriff’s Office indicates that the office will be looking for drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs, strictly enforcing all traffic laws and stepping up seat belt enforcement. The office also encouraged drivers to be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.
The St. Patrick’s Day campaign is being funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Sheriff’s Office’s press release noted.
