PESOTUM, IL (Chambana Today) — The Illinois State Police announced Wednesday that Troop 7 officers will conduct several traffic enforcement campaigns across central Illinois during June aimed at reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities.
According to the agency, Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols will be conducted in Macon and Vermilion counties, while Nighttime Enforcement patrols will take place in Champaign County. Troopers will also conduct Distracted Driving Enforcement Patrols in Macon and Vermilion counties.
Troop 7 Commander Heather Apperson said the enforcement efforts are designed to increase compliance with Illinois traffic safety laws through education and enforcement.
State police said Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols will focus on seat belt and child safety seat violations. Illinois law requires all passengers, including those in the back seat, to wear seat belts.
Officials said seat belts remain one of the most effective vehicle safety devices, saving an estimated 14,000 lives each year nationwide. Nearly half of all vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts, according to the release.
The Nighttime Enforcement, or NITE, patrols in Champaign County will target impaired driving, seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving and other traffic offenses during overnight hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Illinois State Police said alcohol and drug impairment are factors in more than 47% of fatal motor vehicle crashes statewide, while more than half of all fatal crashes occur at night.
Troopers will also increase enforcement of distracted driving laws in Macon and Vermilion counties. Police cited national data estimating that more than 3,000 people are killed annually in distracted driving crashes and noted that reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds.
Under Illinois law, drivers are prohibited from using handheld electronic communication devices while driving. Drivers younger than 18 are prohibited from using cellphones entirely, even hands-free, and all cellphone use is banned in school speed zones and work zones.
State police also reminded motorists it is illegal to use a cellphone within 500 feet of an emergency scene.
The enforcement efforts are funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
