La Salle County Sheriff’s Office to conduct Independence Day patrols

As Independence Day approaches, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for increased traffic enforcement to ensure the safety of all residents and motorists.

From Friday, June 21, through the early-morning hours of Monday, July 8, deputies will work to keep impaired drivers off the road and ticket unbuckled motorists.

Driving under the influence not only poses a risk to oneself but also endangers passengers and fellow road users. The financial and human costs of a DUI are immeasurable. The decision to avoid driving impaired is simple and could spare lives, the sheriff’s office said in a joint news release.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s departments in this unified effort to enhance statewide enforcement during this period.

To ensure a fun and safe holiday celebration, authorities urged everyone to follow these tips:

• Designate a sober driver before heading out.
• Prevent friends and family members from driving under the influence.
• If you find yourself impaired, use safe alternatives such as taxis, public transit and ride-sharing apps, or contact a sober friend or family member for a ride.
• Use designated driver programs available in your community.
• Report suspected drunken drivers promptly to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Ensure that all passengers in your vehicle buckle up. It’s not only the law but also a crucial defense against impaired drivers.

The traffic safety enforcement effort, including the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” programs, is made possible through federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These efforts are complemented by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which emphasizes the serious consequences of impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.