St. Charles, IL – Thanksgiving travel across Illinois begins to ramp up today, and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to buckle up, slow down, and stay sober as the holiday enforcement period gets underway. Deputies say residents should expect increased patrols, roadside enforcement, and zero-tolerance stops for impaired or distracted driving.
According to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, the department is partnering with the Illinois State Police and several local agencies for the annual “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns, which run from November 21 to December 2, 2025. Officers will be looking for seatbelt violations, speeding, cannabis-related impairment, alcohol-impaired driving, and other hazardous behaviors.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that alcohol- and drug-related crashes typically rise during major holidays, making preventative planning critical. Deputies also noted that cannabis impairment can last longer than some drivers expect and can slow reaction time and affect judgment.
Officials offered several safety recommendations for residents preparing to travel this week:
• Plan ahead by choosing a sober driver or arranging a rideshare, taxi, or public transit.
• If hosting, provide non-alcoholic drink options and help arrange sober rides home.
• Do not drive after using cannabis due to delayed and unpredictable impairment effects.
• Report suspected impaired drivers by pulling over safely and calling 911.
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt — the most effective defense in a crash.
The Sheriff’s Office says the goal is simple: reduce crashes and keep holiday travel safe for families across Kane County and the wider Chicago metro region.
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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