Lake County Gazette

The Lake Bluff Police Department has announced its plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement, focusing on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign will run from June 20 through July 7, encompassing three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.

“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said Chief of Police Matthew Smizinski. “It’s simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink or use cannabis or other impairing substances. Our officers will be working diligently to keep impaired drivers off the road and ensure everyone is buckled up. ”

The Lake Bluff Police Department will join forces with the Illinois State Police and over 200 local police and sheriff’s departments in this statewide effort.

To promote safe celebrations, authorities recommend designating a sober driver and preventing friends or family members from driving impaired. Additional tips include:

- Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.

- If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other drug, call a taxi, take mass transit, use a ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

- Promptly report impaired drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.

- Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. Not only is it the law, but it’s also your best defense against an impaired driver.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). These enforcement efforts are complemented by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign which highlights the serious consequences of impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.

For further information contact: Deputy Chief Erik Gehrke at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 847-283-8680.