DUI arrests by DeKalb police have increased 87 percent in the last five years, police records showed.

The 208 arrests in 2003 also represent a 35 percent increase over 2002.

The statistic does not necessarily reflect an increase in drunk driving, DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen said. The increase is more likely because of tougher enforcement by the police, he said.

Police have increased focused patrols that have garnered more DUI tickets than in previous years, Feithen said.

“We have received special federal grants from IDOT in the past to help pay for overtime for officers and extra patrols during peak periods like holidays,” Feithen said.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is continuing its statewide drunk driving education campaign with slogans like “Drive Hammered, Get Nailed.”

Although there is no direct method to study the effectiveness of such a campaign, IDOT will conduct a phone survey to gauge public awareness of the effort, said Susan Baltusevich, IDOT alcohol program coordinator.

Feithen said he sees more responsibility among drivers these days, with designated drivers becoming more common.

People seem to be calling for a taxi or using late night ride services instead of driving home after an evening of drinking, Feithen said.

Fatty’s Pub & Grill, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway, attempts to fight drunk driving by offering free soda or water to patrons during the night to keep them alert and responsible, owner Jeff Dobie said.

If an intoxicated person does try to leave the establishment and drive, Dobie said his bartenders are trained to talk the customer out of driving and call a taxi for them if needed.

Liquor Commissioner and DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow holds a meeting every August to distribute educational information to the bars, Feithen said.

Baltusevich said she hopes that through constant exposure, driver awareness will increase and they will be more careful on the road.