Monroe County, IL – As Thanksgiving travel begins, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is reminding residents to drive sober and buckle up. The agency is partnering with Illinois State Police and local departments for statewide “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns running from Nov. 21 through Dec. 2.
According to Major Chris Lutz, deputies will increase patrols looking for seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. Sheriff Neal Rohlfing said in a statement that holiday travel brings more vehicles and longer trips, increasing the risk of crashes.
“Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to save your life in a crash,” Rohlfing said. “We’re asking every driver and passenger to buckle up—every trip, every time—and plan for a sober ride before the celebrations begin.”
The Sheriff’s Office also encourages residents to designate a sober driver, use rideshare services, and avoid driving after consuming alcohol or cannabis. Officers will be out in full force to ensure motorists travel safely during the Thanksgiving weekend.
This enforcement effort is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the state’s annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” safety initiatives.
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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