Schaumburg Officers Are 'Stepping Up Patrols' Through Nov. 29

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Schaumburg police officers will increase their presence to keep impaired drivers off the roads throughout Thanksgiving week, police said.

The Schaumburg Police Department began a public safety campaign on Nov. 19. The campaign will run through Nov. 29, as the week of Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times on Illinois roads, police said in a news release.

"We want our community to understand that it's up to them to make the smart decision to drive sober Thanksgiving weekend and every day," Sergeant Karen McCartney said. "Remember — if you're going to drink or use other impairing substances, don’t drive."

The campaign will involve officers "stepping up patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads and ensure everyone makes it home from their celebrations," McCartney said.

The Schaumburg Police Department joined with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and almost 200 police and sheriff's departments to "remind motorists to Click It or Ticket and Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over throughout the Thanksgiving holiday," the news release said.

Officials are asking community members who plan on celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances to make a plan for a sober ride home before going out — such as calling a taxi, using public transportation, calling a family member or using a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.

Anyone who sees a drunk driver should pull over safely and call 911, police said.

"Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt," the news release said. "It is the best defense against an impaired driver."