St. Charles Police Department to increase patrols ahead of Labor Day holiday

As Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer near, the St. Charles Police Department is partnering with law enforcement throughout the state to stop impaired driving and help save lives.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign will run through Sept. 6. During this period, motorists in St. Charles can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the statewide seat belt usage rate is 95.2%, yet unbuckled occupants make up a disproportionately large number of fatalities, representing more than 50% of people killed in motor vehicle crashes.

The St. Charles Police Department also advises those celebrating Labor Day to remember to buckle up, designate a sober driver and don’t let family members or friends drive drunk.

The Click It or Ticket/Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort is funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.