Community Corner

Seat Belt, DUI Checkpoints Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend

The Skokie Police Department has issued the following press release on upcoming seat belt, DUI checkpoints in Skokie this Aug. 24 - Sept. 3.

From the community ~

The Skokie Police Department today announced its late-night plans for the 2012 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over/Click It or Ticket” crackdown.  The intensified enforcement effort against impaired drivers and seat belt law violators underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths involving alcohol and unbelted motorists.  The stepped-up enforcement will begin Aug. 24 and run through Labor Day, Sept. 3.  Enforcement efforts will concentrate on the deadly nighttime hours.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways.  The data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest seat belt usage rate.

Find out what's happening in Skokiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The numbers do not lie.  We will be stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up,” said Sgt. David Pawlak. “In Skokie, the message is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket.”

Several DUI roadside safety checkpoints in conjunction with several saturation patrols will take place in the early morning hours during this upcoming holiday period. The dates, times, and locations of these checkpoints are as follows:

Find out what's happening in Skokiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Friday, Aug. 24 – 25, 2012, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m., 5005 Dempster St., Skokie IL
  • Sunday, Sept. 02 – 03, 2012, 11:15 p.m. – 3:15 a.m., 5200 Touhy Ave, Skokie IL

The Skokie Police Department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving.  Other important tips include:

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


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here