INSIDE
SPORTS Miller’s big game not enough PAGE 11
NEWS Downers Grove Village Board gives nod to union contract PAGE 2
Our Village, Our News
www.buglenewspapers.com
AUGUST 29, 2012
Vol. 4 No. 39
CRACKING DOWN Local police look to curb drinking and driving for Labor Day weekend By Robin Ambrosia Staff Reporter
T
he Downers Grove, Westmont and Woodridge police departments would like motorists to be aware they are cracking down on drinking and driving, as well as seatbelt usage through a variety of measures this Labor Day weekend.
For Your Information
It is illegal in Illinois to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams per deciliter. According to IDOT, once probable cause is established for impaired driving through field sobriety tests administered by the police officer, a driver is placed under arrest for driving under the influence, handcuffed and taken to police headquarters. At police headquarters, the driver is asked to participate in a chemical test of breath, blood or urine. If the test shows a blood alcohol contact of 0.08 or higher, the driver is issued a sworn report notifying them that their driver’s license has been suspended for six months. If the driver refuses the chemical test, they will have their license suspended for 12 months. Following the test or refusal, the individual is then required to post bond and is often detained until bond is posted.Their vehicle may be towed, impounded or seized. Depending on the case, the first impaired driving conviction can result in up to a $2,500 fine, one year loss of driving privileges, 364 days in jail and 25 service hours, according to Drive Sober Illinois.
Woodridge and Westmont initiate late-night plans The Woodridge and Westmont police departments in conjunction with IDOT have announced their 2012 Labor Day ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ crackdown. The intensified enforcement effort against impaired drivers underscores the
disproportionate number of traffic deaths involving alcohol and unbelted motorists, according to the Woodridge Police Department press release. The stepped-up enforcement will concentrate on the midnight to 3 a.m. now through Labor Day Sept. 3. According to data from the IDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the midnight to 3 a.m. timeframe is the deadliest time on Illinois roadways due to the highest percentage of alcohol involvement and the lowest seat belt usage rate. “The numbers do not lie,” Woodridge Police Department management analyst Kate Andris said.“We will be stepping up our late-night enforcement efforts, making sure impaired drivers are off the road and motorists See POLICE, page 2