Rockford Police Crack Down on Impaired Driving for St. Patrick’s Day

As our big St. Patrick's Day celebrations approach, law enforcement is planning to intensify patrols for drunk and high driving.

Rockford PD Amplify Patrols This St. Patrick's Day

With assistance from the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Rockford Police Department will launch a traffic control campaign over the St. Patrick's weekend celebration targeting impaired driving and other traffic violations.

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Seat belt laws will also be a focus of the initiative, especially during nighttime hours when usage rates decline, according to the Rockford PD press release.

Officers will be monitoring for speeding, distracted driving, along with identifying drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A History of Vigilance

Rockford Police has regularly increased patrols during the area's St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and the proactive stance has paid off in past years.

Notably in 2021, RPD reported no DUI arrests during the St. Patrick's Day holiday, according to a story from 96.7 The Eagle.

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While Rockford has seen positive outcomes from the extra enforcement over the holiday, neighboring counties have faced challenges with impaired driving.

According to a report on Rockford Scanner, the Ogle County Sheriff's Office reported 5 DUI arrests, and 229 citations issued during their 2023 St. Patrick's Day enforcement period.

Safety Recommendations for St. Patrick's Day Celebrating

Rockford area residents are encouraged to make safety a priority after putting on their Green.

• Plan Ahead: Designate a sober driver or use a ride-share app, if you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis.
• Stay Alert: Be vigilant for impaired pedestrians who may not be following traffic control signals.
• Buckle Up: Always wear your seat belt, regardless of seating position or travel distance.

Funding for this enforcement comes from federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by IDOT, according to the press release.