Barrington Police Announce Holiday Enforcement

The Barrington Police Department announced its late-night plans for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” impaired driving and late-night safety belt enforcement crackdown during the holiday period. The intensified enforcement effort to combat late-night impaired driving and safety belt violations underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during late-night hours. 

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways. The data also shows this time of day has the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest safety belt usage rate. 

“The numbers do not lie. We will be stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists are buckled up,” said Chief Jerry Libit. 

As just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving, the Barrington police department recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired. Other important tips include: 

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys; 

• If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely; 

• Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement; 

• Always wear your safety belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up. It is your best defense against an impaired driver. 

The law enforcement crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign that will remind motorists, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.”