The Kewanee Police Department is one of over 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns this Labor Day. 

From Aug. 15 through the early morning of Sept. 2, officers will be out in force, focused on stopping impaired driving, enforcing seat belt laws and reducing other dangerous driving behaviors. 

“Whether it involves alcohol, cannabis, or any other impairing drug, driving under the influence is illegal and puts lives at risk,” said Chief Stephen Kijanowski. “We’ll be patrolling with zero tolerance for impaired driving, because our goal is to protect the residents and visitors of Kewanee.” 

Officers will also be enforcing seat belt laws as part of the “Click It or Ticket” initiative. Buckling up is the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. Everyone in the vehicle — front seat or back — should be properly buckled, every trip. 

In addition to alcohol, officers will be on the lookout for drivers impaired by cannabis and other drugs. Messages like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High Get a DUI” are part of a statewide education and enforcement effort aimed at saving lives. 

“We want everyone in our community to celebrate the holiday weekend in a safe and responsible way.” said Chief Kijanowski. “Plan ahead, choose a designated driver, and avoid driving while impaired—decisions like these save lives.” 

This local effort is part of a larger statewide campaign supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, which administers the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns with federal highway safety funds.

The initiative is reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign running across radio, TV and digital platforms to highlight the deadly consequences of impaired driving.