**GALENA, Ill. – The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled a detailed Fourth of July traffic safety initiative aimed at preventing impaired and unbuckled driving. This campaign will be active from June 20 to July 7, targeting the three summer weekends leading up to and following Independence Day, a time known for a rise in traffic-related incidents.**
**“We urge all residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day responsibly,” stated Lt. Kirk Raab, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “The message is clear: If you are driving, do not consume alcohol, cannabis, or any other intoxicating substances. Our officers will be vigilant in keeping impaired drivers off the roads and ensuring everyone is safely buckled up.”**
**The Sheriff’s Office will work in conjunction with the Illinois State Police along with over 200 local police departments and sheriff’s offices across the state in this collaborative campaign. This effort receives support from federal traffic safety funds managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), which also backs initiatives such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket.” Additionally, IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign underlines the serious repercussions of impaired driving and other risky behaviors.**
**To help foster safe celebrations, the Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety tips:**
– **Designate a driver and hand over your keys before leaving.**
– **If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other drug, please utilize a taxi, public transportation, a ride-sharing service, or a sober friend or family member for your safe return home.**
– **If you witness impaired driving, do not hesitate to alert law enforcement by pulling over and calling 911.**
– **Ensure that all vehicle occupants are wearing seat belts, which is not only a legal requirement but also serves as the best protection against impaired drivers.**
**Staying true to its guiding principles of “Honor, Duty and Integrity,” the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to safeguarding the public during the holiday season. For further information, please reach out to Lt. Kirk Raab at 815-777-2141 or via email at [email protected].**
