Sheriff Curran encourages motorists to safely celebrate Super Bowl weekend

Boost efforts to combat drunk driving and ticket unbuckled motorists

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will conduct special patrols this Super Bowl weekend focusing on drunk drivers and seat belt law violators.

“We are reminding everyone that if you choose to drink and drive in Lake County this weekend, you risk being arrested,” said Sheriff Mark C. Curran Jr.  “If you plan on drinking alcohol while cheering on your team, pass your keys to a sober driver before the Super Bowl party begins. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

Sheriff Curran said that always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two of several simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest due to drunk driving. Other important tips include:

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

• Report drunk drivers to law enforcement;

• Spend the night where the activity is being held and sleep it off;

• Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against a drunk driver.

“This weekend is traditionally a deadly and dangerous time, therefore we will have a low tolerance for drunk drivers so remember, designate a sober driver before the party begins,” said Sheriff Curran.  “To help combat this trend we will increase our proactive enforcement efforts with three additional deputies from the hours of 9:00 pm-1:00 am on Sunday, February 2, 2014 in an attempt to keep our streets and community safe.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Super Bowl enforcement effort is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.