This holiday season, the Naperville Police are taking a big stand against impaired driving. They've teamed up with the Illinois Department of Transportation in a "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Drive High. Get a DUI." campaign. From December 15 through January 2, they're laying down the law with zero tolerance for those who get behind the wheel after indulging in holiday spirits—or any other substances. Celebrate if you will, but do it safely; that’s the message loud and clear.
According to the Naperville Police Department's recent announcement, onto the revelers, Naperville Police Sgt. Derek Zook had a message: "If you'll be celebrating with festive drinks or other impairing substances, make a plan for a safe ride home before you leave for the party." He added, "Driving impaired is simply unacceptable." The statistics are sobering—13,384 people perished in the U.S. in 2021 due to alcohol-impaired drivers. And year over year, drunk-driving-related deaths occur every 45 minutes on average.
The campaign's not just about making arrests; it's also educational. The Naperville Police urge you to think ahead: choose a designated driver, or plot your night with public transportation or a ride-sharing app. It's about making the holidays merry and bright, not tragic. The stakes are life itself, and it challenges each driver to be their brother's keeper—to buckle up, keep an eye out for erratic drivers, and call it in if something seems off.
Driven primarily by federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these holiday crusades against impaired driving are a joint effort. And while the holiday season's warmth evokes togetherness and joy, the Naperville PD's message is a stark reminder: Behind every statistic, there are shattered families, for whom the holiday season will never be the same again.
