To make sure holiday celebrations don’t end in tragedies, the Flossmoor Police Department is joining with law enforcement agencies across Illinois in a major traffic safety effort this season.
From Friday, Dec. 12, through Monday, Jan. 5, Flossmoor officers will take part in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over; Drive High, Get a DUI; and the Click It or Ticket campaigns.
These enforcement efforts are supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) outreach media program, It’s Not a Game, which reminds motorists that driving is serious business.
“Let’s make safety our shared priority this season,” Flossmoor Police Chief Carl Estelle said. “If you plan to drink or use impairing substances, plan ahead for a sober ride home and always wear your seat belt.”
Estelle said the Flossmoor Police Department will be out in full force this season; he urged everyone to take the following steps to prevent impaired driving and to reduce the severity of crashes:
- Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or arrange for a ride-sharing service.
- Report dangers. If you spot an impaired driver, pull over safely and call 911.
- Be a hero. Stop a friend from driving impaired by taking their keys and helping them get home safely.
- Buckle up. A buckled seat belt is your best defense against impaired drivers and one of the simplest ways to save a life.
- Slow down and stay focused. Obey the speed limit and avoid distractions, such as texting, scrolling or gaming while driving.
Thanksgiving results
Flossmoor police also recently released the results of the department’s Thanksgiving traffic safety campaign.
From Nov. 21 through Dec. 2, the Flossmoor officers participated in the statewide Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program designed to reduce crashes and save lives.
Enforcement focused on seat-belt use, speeding, distracted driving and alcohol/drug-impaired driving. The result:
- 36 occupant restraint citations
- 21 other traffic citations
- 4 traffic arrests
- 4 speeding citations
“These results reflect our commitment to a safe community,” Estelle said. “Impaired is impaired, whether you use alcohol, cannabis or other drugs. Combine that with not wearing a seat belt, and the consequences can be deadly. Please buckle up and plan a sober ride every time.”
These enforcement efforts are supported by federal traffic safety funds, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. For more information, contact Sgt. Mark Cagle at 708-957-4500 or [email protected].
