Lake County Gazette

The Buffalo Grove Police Department has initiated an intensified traffic safety campaign this week, extending through St. Patrick's Day. The objective of the campaign is to remind motorists about the perils of drunk driving and ensure the safety of streets and community members. In this endeavor, the department is collaborating with the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Commander Tara Anderson shed light on the timing of this initiative, stating, "St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, and we anticipate alcohol consumption will increase throughout the weekend." She further urged everyone to celebrate responsibly by planning a sober ride home before leaving their houses, according to a Buffalo Grove press release.

In addition to its focus on drunk driving, the police department will also be enhancing seat belt enforcement, especially during nighttime when usage rates are typically at their lowest. This information was provided in a Buffalo Grove press release which also mentioned that distracted driving, speeding, and all other traffic laws would be strictly enforced.

A grim statistic from recent years underscores the importance of these measures. Between 2017 and 2021, as many as 272 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick's Day holiday period alone, according to another Buffalo Grove press release.

The police department has offered some advice for residents as part of this campaign. It strongly recommends ensuring that designated drivers are indeed sober before entrusting them with others' lives. The same press release also highlighted that walking while impaired can be equally dangerous.