Lake Forest Police On Patrol For DUIs This Labor Day

LAKE FOREST, IL — In preparation for the Labor Day weekend this year, law enforcement in Lake Forest are upping patrols to catch impaired and unbuckled drivers on roads.

The traffic safety campaign runs from Aug. 14 to Sept. 2, encompassing three summer weekends leading up to Labor Day.

“This late-summer travel period is one of the busiest times of the year, and our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and keep everyone safe on the road," the Lake Forest Police Department said in a statement.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, impaired driving crashes tend to increase around the holiday. During Labor Day in 2024, 30 percent of all traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Impaired driving doesn't just include alcohol; some prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, other illegal drugs and marijuana can also land someone a DUI. Evanston officers will also be stepping up enforcement for seat belts, speeding, and distracted driving.

First-time DUI charges can cost a maximum of $2,500 in fines, and drivers could get their licenses suspended if convicted.

To celebrate safely this summer, law enforcement recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends or family drive drunk. If you think you are too impaired to drive, call a taxi, take public transit, use a ride-sharing service or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safe.

In July, Lake Forest police conducted 31 traffic stops, wrote 29 citations and arrested one person for traffic offenses.