MACON AND VERMILLION COUNTIES, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 7 has released the results of two January enforcement initiatives aimed at keeping roadways safer: Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols and Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP).

Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) Patrols – Macon and Vermillion Counties

Purpose: Prevent, detect, and take enforcement action for impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs.

Violations and Enforcement Activity:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citations: – 0
  • Other alcohol/drug citations: – 0
  • Occupant restraint offenses: 3
  • Registration offenses: 4
  • Driver’s license offenses: 2
  • Insurance violations: 4
  • Total citations/arrests: 26
  • Total written warnings: 7

Alcohol and drug impairment contribute to over 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, and nationally, there is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes. The ACE program enhances officer efforts to remove dangerous DUI offenders from the road. This initiative is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) – Champaign County

  • Purpose: Provide extra patrol coverage to ensure vehicle occupants are properly restrained.

  • Violations and Enforcement Activity:

    • Safety belt citations: 25

    • Child restraint citations: – 0

    • Total citations: 39

    • Total written warnings: 3

While most motorists understand that safety belts save lives, some still neglect the law. These patrols focus on reinforcing occupant protection by targeting those who fail to buckle up. Simple compliance with restraint laws can save lives. This project was also funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

For more information, contact the ISP Public Information Office at ISP.PIO.Personnel@illinois.gov.