The Chicago Police Department is ramping up its efforts to catch drunk drivers this weekend in the 3rd (Grand Crossing) District. Starting Friday night, officers will be patrolling the streets from 6 p.m. until the wee hours of Saturday at 2 a.m., looking for any signs of impaired driving. The department's DUI Saturation Patrol aims to flood the area with police vigilance that does more than just sniff out alcohol - speedsters and seatbelt scofflaws are also on their hit list.
Not only will cops be on the lookout for the usual suspects, but their artillery includes high-tech gadgets like speed detection equipment aimed to snag lead-foot drivers. According to details released on the Chicago Police Department's website, the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit might show up too, to make processing DUI charges faster than you can say "I'll just walk home." And if you're caught, you might just find yourself bonding out at the DUI checkpoint, courtesy of the on-site Individual Recognizance Bonds (I-Bonds).
The proof is in the pudding - or rather, the stats - from last weekend's patrol in the 4th (South Chicago) District. Zero drunk drivers were nabbed, but that doesn't mean it was a quiet night. Officers handed out a total of 40 citations: 12 for speeders, seven for moving junk heaps masquerading as vehicles, and various other violations including seatbelt neglect, driving without insurance, and even an open liquor offense. So, the message is clear: if you're driving dirty, they'll catch you.
These patrols aren't just for window dressing. They're part of a concerted effort to make the streets safer and potentially save lives. Though vehicles weren't towed, and no arrests outside of citations were made last time, the pressure will be on again this weekend to keep the Grand Crossing streets clear of dangerous drivers.
