Local police announce ‘Drive Sober’ campaign for Thanksgiving holiday weekend

Local police agencies are asking drivers to take extra precautions this Thanksgiving weekend and make plans ahead of time for sober driving.

The Sycamore and DeKalb police departments announced they’re joining with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and nearly 200 local police and sheriff’s departments to remind motorists to “Click it or ticket and driver sober or get pulled over” throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.

“We want our community to understand that it’s up to them to make the smart decision to drive sober Thanksgiving weekend and every day,” said Sycamore police Sgt. Joseph Meeks in a news release. “Remember – if you’re going to drink or use other impairing substances, don’t drive. We will be stepping up patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads and ensure everyone makes it home from their celebrations.”

The safety campaign runs Nov. 19 – Nov. 29 leading up to and following the Thanksgiving Day holiday, one of the busiest times on Illinois roads.

If you’ll be celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances, remember to make a plan for a sober ride home before you go out. If you’ve been drinking or using marijuana or other drugs, police ask residents to call a taxi, take a public transit or call a family member to get home safely.

Impaired people can use a ride-share service such a Uber or Lyft or public transportation. Anyone under the influence should appoint a designated driver. If someone spots a drunk driver, they’re asked to pull over safely and call 911 to notify police.

Drivers are also asked to make sure everyone in their vehicle wears a seat belt, since that’s the best defense against an impaired driver.

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.