St. Charles police on lookout for drunken drivers Labor Day weekend

ST. CHARLES – The St. Charles Police Department is doing its part to help ensure the city’s roads are safe for the Labor Day weekend.

According to a news release, the police department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation and participating in the “high-visibility” Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown.

“During this period, law enforcement across Illinois will show zero tolerance for impaired driving and seat belt law violators,” the release stated.

Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are two ways to help avoid a crash or an arrest for impaired driving, the release stated.

The release offered these other tips and reminders for a safe weekend:

• Those who served someone involved in an alcohol-related crash can be held liable and prosecuted.

• Ensure 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 parties.

• Keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone thinking of driving impaired.

• Designate a sober driver before a party begins and give that person your car keys.

• Those who do not have a designated driver should ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab or someone else for a ride; or stay put and sleep it off until sober.

• Never let friends leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk.

• Always wear a seat belt, as it is the best defense against a drunken driver.

The Labor Day crackdown is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by IDOT, the release stated.