Police departments across Kane County say they will have extra patrols out for the holiday season, with “highly visible enforcement” of occupant restraint, impaired driving, speed and pedestrian safety.

According to a St. Charles Police Department news release, the department is continuing its support of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program for FY2018 and reminds motorists to fasten their seat belts over the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday period or run the risk of receiving a ticket.

It’s especially important this week, as 5.5 Illinois driver hit the road for the holiday season, and the National Weather Service Chicago has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of freezing rain.

The objective of the STEP program is to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle crashes and the resulting injuries and fatalities during national and state enforcement campaigns.

“If you wait until you’re ‘buzzed’ to make a decision, you may decide to drive. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, which means that driving ‘buzzed’ brings very serious consequences,” the news release said.

The extra patrols started Dec. 18 and continue through Jan. 2. Officers will be out in force conducting DUI and seat belt enforcement in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program apply named Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over/Click It or Ticket.

“Fastening a seat belt takes only a second or two, and costs you nothing,” the news release said. “Not wearing a seat belt, especially during this Christmas and New Year’s Holiday period, will definitely cost you a ticket at the very least, or even worse, your life.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. The goals of the STEP Program are to reduce the number of severe injury and fatal traffic crashes, to achieve a higher use of safety belts, child safety seats and booster seats in ALL seating positions and to achieve a lower incidence of impaired driving involved injuries and fatalities.

Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

The extra patrol assignments for DUI and seat belt enforcement are being conducted in accordance with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).

The St. Charles Police Department wants all drivers to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and all vehicle occupants to Click It or Ticket ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT.  For more information about the Click It or Ticket and the Drive Sober Get Pulled Over programs, please visit www.buckleupillinois.org.

Illinois State Police Prepare For Holiday Travel

Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz is reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent senseless tragedies during the upcoming Christmas and New Year season. ISP will be working to reduce fatal crashes and arrest impaired drivers.

The ISP will be doing their part in keeping the roadways safe for those traveling through the state. The ISP will be strictly enforcing the four most common causes of fatal traffic crashes. “The Fatal Four” includes: DUI, Speeding, Seat Belt, and Distracted Driving.

You can do your part to make travel safe this holiday season. If you are going to be at an event with alcohol, please make sure you designate a driver. Keep your eyes on the road away from cell phones, “Give Them Distance” when approaching flashing lights on the shoulder, watch your speed and buckle up every trip.

“DUI is one of the most preventable factors in holiday fatal traffic crashes,” Schmitz said. “Throughout the holidays, the ISP will conduct extra patrols and roadside safety checks with an emphasis on removing impaired drivers. Our goal is to make sure all Illinois motorists travel safely, with no tragedies this season. Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”