CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police (ISP), and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.

A press release from city detailed that drivers can expect high-visibility enforcement throughout the state from June 20 to July 7, overlapping with the Independence Day holiday on July 4.

“Champaign Police are committed to ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “We’re asking all residents to celebrate responsibly by planning ahead to designate a sober driver and avoiding impaired driving. Safety starts with smart decisions, and that includes always wearing a seatbelt and following traffic laws. Together, we can keep our roads safe during the holiday weekend and all summer long.”

ISP also announced that it will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Macon and Vermilion counties during the month of July. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol drugs.

Officers working in the ACE detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsage manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.

ISP shared that alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous DUI offenders from the road. The ISP project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Champaign Police Department also provided a few tips to help celebrate safely:

  • Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
  • If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other drug, call a taxi, take mass transit, or use a ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
  • Promptly report impaired drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 9-1-1.
  • Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt.

Those found to be impaired, unbuckled, or violating other rules of the road will be issued citations and written warnings, when appropriate. Efforts to address these concerns in Champaign will focus on arterial routes.