Orland Police Ramp Up Impaired, Distracted Driving Patrols For Labor Day Stretch

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park police will run ramped-up patrols for impaired, distracted and unsafe driving for the Labor Day stretch, the department announced Wednesday.

The department is one of over 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns this Labor Day. From Aug. 14 through the early morning hours of Sept. 8, officers will be out in force, focused on stopping impaired driving, enforcing seat belt laws and reducing other dangerous driving behaviors.

“Driving under the influence, whether it’s alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing drug — is not just risky, it’s illegal,” said Orland Park Police Chief Eric Rossi. “We’ll be patrolling with zero tolerance for impaired driving, because our goal is to protect the people of Orland Park.”

Officers will also be enforcing seat belt laws as part of the “Click It or Ticket” initiative. Buckling up is the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. Everyone in the vehicle — front seat or back — should be properly buckled, every trip.

In addition to alcohol, officers will be on the lookout for drivers impaired by cannabis and other drugs. Messages like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” are part of a statewide education and enforcement effort aimed at saving lives.

“We want our community to enjoy the holiday weekend safely and responsibly,” said Chief Rossi. “Plan ahead, use a designated driver, and never get behind the wheel impaired. These decisions save lives.”

This local effort is part of a larger statewide campaign supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, which administers the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns with federal highway safety funds. The initiative is reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign running across radio, TV and digital platforms to highlight the deadly consequences of impaired driving.