Aurora, IL – Police departments across Illinois are gearing up for a joint Fourth of July traffic enforcement campaign beginning this week, targeting impaired and unbuckled drivers leading up to and following the holiday.
According to announcements from multiple agencies including those in Aurora, Lake County and Kankakee, the campaign will run from Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, July 7, and spans three high-traffic summer weekends. The statewide initiative involves over 200 law enforcement agencies in collaboration with the Illinois State Police.
“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas. “If you’re driving, don’t drink or use cannabis or other impairing substances. Our officers will be working diligently to keep impaired drivers off the road and ensure everyone is buckled up.”
The initiative is part of nationally recognized campaigns including “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket,” which are funded through federal traffic safety grants administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These efforts are also promoted through IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of impaired and unsafe driving.
Law enforcement officials urge drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and avoid any impairing substances. Other safety tips include giving car keys to a sober driver before going out, reporting suspected impaired drivers by calling 911, and ensuring all passengers are properly buckled.
The goal of the campaign is to reduce serious injuries and fatalities during a time period historically associated with an increase in DUI-related incidents and seat belt violations.
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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