Kendall County, IL – The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The federally funded grant aims to enhance local enforcement of impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use, and other safety violations through September 2026.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the grant will support ongoing campaigns such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Click It or Ticket,” and “Drive High, Get a DUI.” These initiatives target high-risk behaviors known to cause serious and fatal crashes, including distracted or impaired driving, failure to yield, and disobeying traffic signals.
Undersheriff Bobby Richardson said the funding will allow deputies to increase patrols during peak danger periods, particularly holidays and weekends. “Our priority is ensuring the safety of everyone who uses our roadways by holding those who break the law accountable,” Richardson stated.
The STEP program runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026, and will include enhanced enforcement operations and public education. Officials emphasize that the high-visibility patrols are designed to deter risky driving behavior and promote safer travel throughout Kendall County and surrounding areas.
This effort aligns with Illinois’ statewide mission to reduce traffic fatalities and keep roads safe for all drivers.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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