This Halloween, Keep the Scares Off the Road: Don’t Drive Impaired

The Naperville Police Department is urging motorists to commit to sober driving this Halloween when children and their families will be walking through neighborhoods after dark in search of candy and spooky fun. If you will be out scaring up a good time, remember to plan ahead for a sober ride home.

“If you’re heading out to a Halloween party, make sure to decide how you’ll get home before the party starts,” said Sgt. Derek Zook. “Just one drink or hit can impact your ability to drive safely and make responsible decisions. Planning ahead will help keep you – and others – safe.”

Never get behind the wheel impaired. It is illegal in Illinois to drive impaired by alcohol, marijuana or any other impairing substance. DUIs are not restricted to alcohol-related offenses. If you drive high, you’ll get a DUI.

Over the next couple weeks, the Naperville Police Department is participating in a statewide enforcement campaign to crack down on impaired drivers and urges residents to follow these simple tips to help keep our roads safe this Halloween:

• Plan a safe way to get home before you attend a party.
• Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, use your favorite ride-sharing app, or call a sober friend or family member to get home.
• Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as driving impaired. Designate a sober friend to accompany you home.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement as soon as it is safe to do so.
• If you see an impaired person about to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely.

The Halloween enforcement and awareness effort is funded by federal highway safety dollars administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.