Galesburg Police Increases Traffic Enforcement to Catch Drunk Drivers

From August 24th through September 7th, the Galesburg Police Department is cracking down on drunk driving in anticipation of Labor Day weekend festivities.According to a press release, Galesburg residents can expect to see more roadside safety checks, patrol vehicles and messages about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Galesburg Police Department Lieutenant Russell Idle says, “The number of people who are still drinking and driving is unacceptable”. The crackdown, funded by the federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation, is part of a nationwide effort to show a zero tolerance policy on drunk driving.

Lieutenant Idle stressed ways to prevent drunk driving by encouraging residents to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or calling a cab. Lieutenant Idle says “Too many people think their actions don’t affect anybody else”.

In addition to cracking down on drinking with a blood alcohol concentration above the limit of .08, GPD will also be issuing tickets for drivers who are not wearing seat belts.

Lieutenant Idle wanted to remind Galesburg residents that it’s not a recommendation, it’s the law.