Police enforcement to increase before July 4

The Hinsdale Police Department has is stepping up Fourth of July traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled driver through the early-morning hours of July 8.

“It’s a straightforward message: If you’re behind the wheel, stay sober. Don’t drink, use marijuana, or consume any other impairing substances before or when driving,” said Deputy Chief Thomas Lillie.

Follow these tips to help ensure a happy and safe holiday:

• Designate a sober driver and give them your keys

before you go out.

• Don’t let friends or family members drive under the influence.

• If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride-sharing app or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

• Promptly report drunken drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.

• Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears their seat belt. It’s not only the law, but also your best defense against an impaired driver.

The statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” programs are made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The enforcement period runs concurrently with IDOT’s media campaign, reminding motorists that “It’s Not a Game” to drive impaired.