Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over this St. Patrick’s Day
Bourbonnais, IL — St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and many Illinoisans will be
celebrating with parades and parties featuring green beer and cocktails. To remind
motorists of the dangers of drunk driving and to help keep our streets safe, Bourbonnais
Police is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation
for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign beginning Friday, March 8, through Monday, March
18.
“We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, starting with a plan for a sober ride home before
you leave the house,” said Patrol Commander, Brent Barrie.
St. Patrick’s Day can be a dangerous one on America’s roads due to increased alcohol
consumption and drunk driving. There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes over the
St. Patrick’s Day holiday between 2017 and 2021.
In addition to looking for alcohol- and cannabis-impaired drivers, the Bourbonnais Police
Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt
usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and all traffic laws will be strictly
enforced.
Whether you’re attending a party, hosting friends or going out to a bar, keep safety at the
forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is
sober. Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend
to walk home with you. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey
street signs.
Other important tips:
• Drunk or high, it doesn’t matter. It is never okay to drive impaired. Designate a sober
driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• Use your community’s sober ride program.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and plan to get
your friend home safely.
• Always buckle up!
The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by IDOT.
With a department motto ‘To Protect with Courage, To Serve with Honor and Compassion,’
Bourbonnais Police serve and protect all persons and property within the jurisdiction of the
Village of Bourbonnais. The village currently has a population of 18,164 (Decennial Census,
2020) and is ranked the 38th safest city in Illinois (National Council for Home Safety and
Security, 2020).
To learn more about the Bourbonnais Police Department, visit
villageofbourbonnais.com/residents/police-department/.
Bourbonnais Police Department Contact:
Dave Anderson
Deputy Chief of Police
700 Main Street NW
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 802-5330
andersond@villageofbourbonnais.com
Village of Bourbonnais Media Contact:
Lindy Casey
Marketing & Public Engagement Manager
600 Main Street NW
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 802-5325
caseyl@villageofbourbonnais.com
