Today, the Collinsville Police Department announced it will take part in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over/Click It or Ticket crackdown by conducting special patrols during this St. Patrick's Day holiday period to curtail impaired drivers and late-night safety belt law violators.

"Too often, St. Patrick's Day can be a deadly and dangerous time on our roadways because of impaired driving," said Lt. Eric Zaber. "That is why starting today and running through March 17th we will be working overtime with increased patrols and roadside safety checks to catch and arrest anyone who is driving while impaired or unbuckled."

Lt. Zaber said that always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive impaired are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

If you are hosting a St. Patrick's Day party:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash;
• Make sure all of your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers;
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party;
• Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.

If you are attending a St. Patrick's Day party:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys;
• If you do not have a designated driver, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up, or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired;
• Always buckle up – it is still your best defense against an impaired driver.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over/Click It or Ticket crackdown is made possible through federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.