With the aromas of grilled meats and the crackle of fireworks on the horizon, the Naperville Police Department is bracing for July Fourth celebrations by ramping up its traffic enforcement measures. Starting now and continuing until the early morning of July 8, law enforcement officers will be out in force. According to a statement obtained by the Naperville Police Department's website, their mission is to spot and stop impaired drivers and to enforce seatbelt laws among all motorists.
"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," Naperville Police Sgt. Derek Zook said in a statement. In partnership with the Illinois State Police, they will join over 200 other local enforcement agencies in a joint operation to augment traffic safety measures statewide.
To deter residents from driving as they indulge in Fourth of July festivities, the Naperville Police offer a few safety tips. Partygoers are encouraged to designate a sober driver prior to the festivities. Everyone plays their part, preventing friends and relatives from getting behind the wheel impaired. They remind those who find themselves unfit to drive to opt for alternatives such as taxis, public transit, and ride-sharing apps. The Naperville Police also push for the use of community-designated driver programs and underscore the importance of securing seatbelts, a simple yet effective guard against road accidents.
Officers on patrol during this seasonal enforcement are fueled by the Illinois Department of Transportation's federal highway safety funds. These initiatives fall under the broader canopy of traffic safety enforcement efforts like the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," "Drive High Get a DUI," and "Click It or Ticket" campaigns. Paired with IDOT's stark "It’s Not a Game" campaign, the message is crystal clear: impaired driving isn't worth the risk.
Naperville residents are urged to report any suspected drunk drivers by calling 911—once safely pulled over—as the combined vigilance of citizens and law enforcement ensures a safer holiday for all. As celebrations light up the sky, the ground efforts by Naperville Police intend to ensure the only crashes heard are the booms of fireworks.
