Log in | Sign Up

Illinois Agencies Step Up Halloween Impaired-Driving Enforcement

It doesn’t take a trick to drive sober: The best treat is to plan ahead this Halloween.

Submitted by the Illinois State Police
Save Share
Listen to the story

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state are putting a heightened focus on impaired driving this Halloween, reminding the public about the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” safety campaigns, which run through this weekend.

“No one should ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The only choice to make is to never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT. “Remember — It’s Not a Game.’”

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Sign in to hide this notification.

Article continues after sponsor message

In addition to the heightened focus on impaired driving, the safety effort also reinforces the importance of seat belt use, adherence to the speed limit and other traffic laws.

“Whether you are headed to a Halloween party or simply driving like any other day, ISP reminds you of the four deadly driving behaviors — speeding, DUI, no seat belt and distracted driving,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “ISP will have extra patrols for the Halloween weekend and we’ll be looking for the Fatal Four.”

If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis or any drugs:

Article continues after sponsor message
  • Call a cab, use a rideshare service or mass transit. If not available, Ask a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
  • Take advantage of your community’s designated driver program, if available.
  • Report impaired drivers to law enforcement immediately by pulling over and dialing 911.
  • Ensure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” campaigns, along with increased traffic enforcement, are funded by federal highway safety grants and administered by IDOT. These efforts are supported by ISP and local law enforcement. The campaigns are reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” initiative, which spotlights driving and highway safety throughout Illinois.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Your community. Your stories. From school milestones to decisions at city hall, local stories deserve coverage. Subscribe to help RiverBender keep telling them.
Support Local Journalism
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

Edwardsville Labor Day Patrols Lead to Five DUI Arrests
Sep 8, 2026
Alton Police Department Announces Results Of Labor Day Safety Campaign
Sep 12, 2026
Alton Police Join Statewide Labor Day DUI Crackdown
Aug 17, 2026
Madison County Sheriff’s Office Joins Statewide Labor Day Traffic Safety Effort Focused on Impaired, Distracted and Unsafe Driving
Aug 14, 2026
Edwardsville Police Issue 230-Plus Citations During Yearlong Traffic Safety Campaign
Oct 2, 2026