Kendall County Sheriff Launches 3-Week Enforcement Campaign For 4th Of July

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — The Kendall County Sheriff's Office launched Friday an enforcement campaign encompassing the Fourth of July holiday.

For three weeks, through July 6, deputies are joining the Illinois Department of Transportation and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to focus on removing impaired and unbuckled drivers from roads, officials said.

"We're asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely," Undersheriff Bobby Richardson said in a statement. "It's simple: If you're driving, don't drink or use drugs. If you plan to drink or use drugs, designate a sober driver and don't let friends or family members drive under the influence. Deputies will be out to keep impaired drivers off the road."

To help keep the roads safe, officials shared these tips for drivers to plan ahead:

• Have a designated driver and give them your keys before you go out.
• If you have been drinking or are impaired by cannabis or other drugs, use your favorite ride-sharing service or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Report suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. Not only is it the law, but it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

The Independence Day enforcement campaign is paid for with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.