Police in Riverside and North Riverside will be initiating special traffic enforcement patrols in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, beginning March 12 and lasting through March 18.
“We understand people are looking for a reason to celebrate, but we urge you to do so safely,” said North Riverside Deputy Police Christian Ehrenberg in a press release. “While festivities may look different this year, the basics remain the same: If you’ll be drinking or using cannabis or another impairing substance, make the right choice and find a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely.”
The traffic enforcement patrols are part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign and are funded by the federal government through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grants for Illinois law enforcement agencies are administered through IDOT.
In addition to looking out for impaired drivers, police officers who are part of the traffic enforcement patrols will also be stepping up seatbelt use enforcement, especially at night. Speed limits and distracted driving laws will also be strictly enforced.
