Crime & Safety
Waukegan, IL Police Offer Free Safety Vests Starting October 31
Waukegan, IL – Residents walking or biking through Waukegan can begin receiving free high visibility safety vests Saturday, October 31, as the city's police department launches a new initiative aimed
By Blake Harrison · 2026-10-31T20:15:42.127Z
Waukegan, IL – Residents walking or biking through Waukegan can begin receiving free high visibility safety vests Saturday, October 31, as the city's police department launches a new initiative aimed at preventing pedestrian and bicycle crashes ahead of the end of daylight saving time.
According to the Waukegan Police Department, the new program, called WAUK Safe, focuses on increasing awareness, improving visibility and encouraging safer practices among pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists throughout the Lake County community.
Beginning Saturday, officers will carry safety packages while on duty and distribute them during community interactions to residents who may benefit from additional visibility.
Each package will include a high visibility safety vest and educational materials available in English and Spanish.
Safety vest packages will also be available at the Waukegan Police Department and Waukegan City Hall .
The initiative comes as daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 1, when clocks move back one hour.
The time change will bring earlier sunsets, creating additional visibility concerns for pedestrians and cyclists traveling during late afternoon and evening hours.
Police said the program is designed to address preventable traffic crashes by providing practical resources and encouraging greater awareness among all roadway users.
The department emphasized that WAUK Safe is not a one day event.
Officers will continue incorporating pedestrian and bicycle safety education into their daily interactions with the public.
The initiative also complements existing traffic enforcement efforts through education, community engagement and injury prevention.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert while walking, cycling or driving, particularly during darker commuting hours.
Motorists should watch carefully for pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks, while pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to increase their visibility.
Anyone seeking additional information about WAUK Safe or the available safety vest packages can contact the Waukegan Police Department.
The program officially begins Saturday, October 31, and will continue as an ongoing community safety effort.