Jo Daviess County Sheriff Warns About St. Patrick’s Day Driving

When I first opened this press release from the Jo Davies County Sheriff's Office I couldn't help but chuckle. It reads, "The Luck o' the Irish won't save you from drunk, high, or drug-impaired driving." You heard the man, nothing can save you from the consequences of your actions. That is if you should pound a few to many whiskeys or Guinness' on the day, or if you happen to partake in, say, the "greener things" of life. As someone proudly Irish-German, I can appreciate a good celebration, but even my old-country grandma's stern gaze couldn’t convince me to drive impaired, and in her heyday she was terrifying.

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This year, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign. The goal is simple: from March 13th through 6 AM on March 23rd, they're keeping an extra watchful eye during the annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Thanks to federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deputies have the resources to conduct extra patrols, checkpoints, and targeted enforcement shifts. In other words, this isn’t just a friendly warning, it’s backed by serious federal grant money through the STEP program.

Officers will be watching for drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or other drugs. They’ll also be keeping a close eye on seat belt usage, speeding, and distracted driving. So, whether you’re hosting a shindig, hitting the local pubs, or just enjoying a cozy evening with family, plan accordingly. Designate a sober driver, buckle up, put down the phone, and remember, even walking or biking while impaired can be dangerous.

When it comes down to it, it’s simply NOT about luck: it’s about making smart decisions. Celebrate responsibly, enjoy the green beer, and leave the reckless driving to the leprechauns. They're tiny enough to get away, but you, my friend, are not: especially after one to many. Hey, your liver may forgive you in time, but the law... not so much. As the Irish say, “there’s nothing so bad, that it couldn’t be worse.”