Countryside, IL – Drivers passing through Countryside over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend saw increased patrols as part of a statewide safety effort aimed at reducing crashes and impaired driving.
According to the Countryside Police Department, officers took part in Illinois’ “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. The mobilization focused on seat-belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol- or drug-impaired driving, including cannabis. The initiative, supported by federal traffic safety funds, targeted the high-travel holiday period when crashes historically rise across Cook County and the Chicago suburbs.
During the enforcement window, Countryside Police reported:
- 1 speeding citation
- 40 occupant restraint citations
- 2 electronic device use citations
- 26 other traffic citations
- 1 traffic arrest involving impairment
Sergeant Maher said the numbers highlight the department’s ongoing commitment to road safety. “Impaired is impaired, whether you use alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs,” Maher noted in the release. “Combine that with not wearing a seat belt, and the consequences can be deadly. Please buckle up and plan a sober ride every time.”
The statewide campaign also aligns with broader Illinois Department of Transportation efforts to reduce serious injuries on major corridors throughout Cook County and the southwest suburbs. With more holiday travel expected through December, police are reminding drivers that safety campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket” and “It’s Not a Game” will continue.
Residents who witnessed holiday enforcement activity or experienced delays are encouraged to share their observations. How did heightened patrols affect your drive?
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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