Kane County to Crack Down on Drunk Driving during Thanksgiving Holiday

Police in Kane County used a DUI crackdown to prevent drunk driving around Halloween last month, and they will use similar enforcement the night before Thanksgiving.

Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said four arrests were made during last month’s patrol, and the “no-refusal” system will be in place on the eve of Thanksgiving.

The no-refusal periods are unique, as they allow authorities to have much quicker deliberations with judges and prosecutors.  Judges are on call and ready to draft search warrants for suspected drunk drivers who refuse to comply with breath tests.  Motorists normally face the loss of their license if they fail to comply with a breath test, but the quick draft of a warrant can order the suspect to take the test.

Last month, police did not have to serve warrants for any of the arrested individuals.  Three people complied willing, while the fourth complied only after being told the officer would get a warrant.

All four drivers were over the legal limit at the time of arrest, and one suspect blew a .290, nearly four times the legal limit of 0.8 in Illinois.

The night before Thanksgiving is popular night for alcohol consumption as family and friends arrive in town for holiday festivities.  McMahon said authorities would conduct another no-refusal program on November 21.

“Our goal is zero DUI arrests. That means people are being responsible. But we are pleased that we were able to get BAC samples from everyone charged, and we are pleased that four intoxicated drivers were removed from the roadways,” McMahon said.