The end of
summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, often celebrated throughpicnics, pool parties and other gatherings. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday also can
be one of the deadliest because of motor vehicle crashes related to drunk and drug-impaireddrivers.  

Once
again, the Rock Island Police Departmentis joining the Illinois Department of Transportation to stop drunk and drug-impaired
drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility enforcement campaign, “DriveSober or Get Pulled Over,” runs from Aug. 21 through the early morning hours of
Sept. 5. During this period, law enforcement across the state will show zerotolerance for impaired driving. Officers also will be looking for seat-belt law
violators. This comprehensive effort aims to reduce impaired driving and helpmake zero fatalities a reality on Illinois roads.

National statistics show a frightening trend in drunk driving. According
to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,265 people were killed in drunk-driving crashesin 2015, an increase from 9,967 people killed in 2014. This is why the Rock
Island Police Department isworking with IDOT to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it
is a matter of life and death.

“Drivingunder the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a massive problem in Illinois with
more than 300 people dying annually,” said ChiefJeff VenHuizen. “Alcohol- or drug-impaired driving is not acceptable
behavior. It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you go out. We makezero exceptions for impaired driving. There are just no excuses.”  

Rock Island Police Department recommends
the following safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

·        If you will be drinking, designate a sober driver before you go
out.

·        Plan to use public transportation, call a cab or use a
ride-sharing service to get home safely.

·        If you see a drunk driver on the road, report them by calling 911

·        Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys awayand make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

The 2017 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign
is funded by federal highway safety funds from NHTSA and managed through IDOT.