Extra police patrolling on "Blackout Wednesday" - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports
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By: Christine Souders
Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year, and that could mean trouble on QC roads.
It's come to be known as "Blackout Wednesday," and local law enforcement will be out in full force ready to arrest drunk drivers.
"It seems like the younger generation is just getting home from college and it's their chance to go out greet their friends that they haven't seen for several semesters or years," said Major Don Schaeffer, Davenport Police Department.
Police on both sides of the river won't be taking a break during the Thanksgiving holiday.
"We will be making sure the roads are safe," said Major Schaeffer.
"Notoriously the call volume increases as people consume alcohol," said LTV. John DeLoose, from the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department.
The Rock Island County Sheriff's Department will have extra units out, and they'll be working hand in hand with other agencies.
"The department has a computer system that we share with all the local agencies in Rock Island County, so we can see who's where and who's doing what. It allows us to work together and help out as needed,"said Lt. DeLoose.
And for good reason, the Illinois Secretary of State's Office reported last year eight deaths the night before Thanksgiving, four of which were alcohol-related.
"We're not going to be designated in one area, so you're not going to know exactly where we're at. When we're handling calls, we'll be out looking for traffic violations, including DUI's," said DeLoose.
So police say before going out on the town and having a few, figure out how you'll be getting home, "Arrange a designated driver. If not call a friend or call a cab because in the long run, it can save lives and also a dui can get very expensive. Just remind people we want everyone to get to their destinations safe and then get home safe."
We also talked to a few bar owners who said they are handing out cards with the numbers of cab companies on them or here's a list of taxi services in the QC.
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