Madison County Increases Traffic Patrols for St. Patrick's Week

EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will join the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation in a stepped-up traffic safety campaign from March 13 through 6 a.m. March 23, 2026, to deter drunk, high, or drug-impaired driving around St. Patrick’s Day in Madison County, Illinois.

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St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often include “parades, parties, green beer and more” across the state, the sheriff's office's Capt. Matt Werner said this week.

“With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, we expect celebrations throughout the entire week — plus the weekends before and after,” said Capt. Werner. “We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly. Plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house — your safety and the safety of others depend on it.”

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During the enforcement period, the sheriff’s office said it will be looking for drivers impaired by alcohol and cannabis, as well as “other drugs, including prescription medications that can affect driving.”

Officers will also increase seat belt enforcement, “particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest,” and will strictly enforce speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic laws, the release said.

The sheriff’s office also urged residents to keep safety in mind when attending a party, hosting friends, or going out to a bar. It cautioned that walking or biking while impaired “can also be dangerous.”

The St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by IDOT.

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