CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL (Chambana Today) – In an effort to reduce traffic accidents and save lives, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office has launched a month-long traffic enforcement campaign targeting speeding and reckless driving. The initiative, part of the statewide “Speeding Catches Up with You” campaign, will run from July 8 through July 31.
The campaign is a collaborative effort involving more than 200 local law enforcement agencies across Illinois and the Illinois State Police. Drivers throughout Champaign County should expect increased patrols and speed enforcement during the entire month.
“Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in careless and risky driving,” said Sheriff Dustin Heuerman. “No matter how safe of a driver you think you may be, speeding is dangerous and reduces your time to react if something unexpected happens. Speed limits aren’t a suggestion; they are the law.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Champaign County has already recorded 173 traffic crashes in 2025 alone. Of those, 51 involved injuries, and three crashes resulted in five fatalities.
The campaign aims to educate drivers and enforce speed laws to prevent further tragedies. Law enforcement officers will focus on roadways with a history of speeding-related incidents. Officials also remind drivers that even if a speed limit sign is not posted, limits still apply: 30 mph in urban areas and 55 mph in rural zones.
This enforcement initiative is funded through federal highway safety grants administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). It also complements IDOT’s broader “It’s Not a Game” public awareness campaign.
For more information, residents can contact the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office or visit the county website. The message is clear: obey the speed limit—or expect to be stopped.