By Nick Gale, WLS-AM News

(CHICAGO)  The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding those looking to take part in the St. Patricks Day festivities in Chicago this weekend to designate a driver, call a cab or ride-sharing company or take public transit.

“St. Patrick’s Day is a festive occasion, but it can turn deadly if you aren’t responsible,” said Priscilla Tobias, highway safety official and director of program development for IDOT. “Make sure you leave your keys at home if you will be out drinking alcohol. It’s not worth a DUI, or worse. Leave the driving to someone who is sober.”

The Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be looking for impaired drivers. Police will be conducting roadside safety checks and seat belt enforcement zones around the holiday, in an effort to keep the roads safe. The message during this campaign: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“Drinking and driving is one of America’s most often committed and deadliest traffic offenses,” said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “Make this St. Patrick’s Day celebration safe for everyone by designating a sober driver. Don’t let your luck run out by taking chances with impaired driving. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!”

IDOT data show that 58 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on the weekends prior to, and after, March 17 from 2012 to 2016; 16 of the fatalities involved at least one driver who had been drinking. In 2016 alone, 15 people were killed during those two weekends and four died as a result of crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking.

The CTA will provide extra service to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

More frequent service and longer trains will be added to the morning and evening hours for the Red, Blue, Green, Purple, Brown and Orange lines for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Chicago River dyeing on Saturday morning.

@ 2017 WLS-AM News