OREGON – As Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer near, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with law enforcement throughout the state to stop impaired driving and help save lives.  

“While celebrations marking the last days of summer will look different this year from how they looked last year, there is certainly potential for an increase in the number of impaired drivers on the roads,” Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. “Impaired driving kills more than 10,000 people in the United States each year. Please plan ahead for a safe ride home before you leave the house. It truly is a matter of life or death.”

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs from Aug. 20 through the early-morning hours of Sept. 8. During this period, motorists in Ogle County can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat-belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat-belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.

If you’re celebrating this Labor Day, remember to designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive drunk. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times, making driving unsafe.

The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.