Chicago's battle against impaired driving gears up as the Chicago Police Department announces a DUI Saturation Patrol in the 6th (Gresham) District this coming weekend. Residents can expect an increase in police presence from Friday, April 12 at 6 p.m. through early Saturday morning, until 2 a.m., with the aim to snag drunk drivers and traffic violators thumbing their noses at the law.
Officers will flood the streets, eyes peeled for any hint of erratic driving. Those found flouting the rules will be facing the wrath of the law. The previous weekend's patrol in the 8th (Chicago Lawn) District pulled over 44 motorists for various violations, beginning with one serious case of DUI, according to the Chicago Police Department.
It's not only the individuals who drink and drive that need to be cautious. The patrolling officers will also enforce the law on drivers who break speed limits and other road safety rules. They will pay special attention to speeding, seat belt violations, and other offenses related to alcohol. Drivers should expect the use of speed detection equipment to prevent high-speed driving.
Adding to the arsenal against inebriation behind the wheel, the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit might make an appearance too, allowing quick processing of DUI charges on the spot. In the case of the DUI Saturation Patrol last weekend, 17 unsafe vehicle citations were issued along with 5 insurance violations, while a couple of drivers got nabbed for no driver's license and one more for a driver's license violation. There were also a handful of tickets for seat belt violations, totaling 2, and a single vehicle was towed away, sending a strong message that the Chicago Police are serious about their work.
