COLES COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — With the days in March ticking by, St. Patrick’s Day is approaching, and the Coles County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people to make safe choices when driving.
According to a release from the Coles County Sheriff’s Office, between 2017 and 2022 drunk-driving crashes have taken the lives of 272 people on St. Patrick’s Day.
The release notes that the Coles County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Department of Transportation are partnering up to increase traffic safety in the area.
“Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol consumption will increase both that day and throughout the weekend,” Chief Deputy Tyler Heleine said. “We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, starting with a plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house.”
All traffic laws including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and seat-belt violations will be heavily enforced.

