Sheriff’s Office Announces Traffic Enforcement Campaign

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office will participate in a statewide Independence Day traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing impaired driving and increasing seat belt use during the holiday travel period.

The enforcement effort runs from June 19 through July 6 and is intended to cover the summer weekends leading up to and following the Fourth of July holiday.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies will place an increased focus on identifying impaired drivers and enforcing seat belt laws as part of a broader public safety initiative taking place across Illinois.

Sheriff Paula Crouch encouraged residents and visitors to make transportation plans before celebrating.

“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” Crouch said. “It’s simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink or use drugs. Our deputies will be out in full force to keep impaired drivers off the road.”

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s departments participating in the statewide campaign.

Crouch also urged the public to plan ahead and avoid situations that could lead to impaired driving.

“This Fourth of July, designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive under the influence,” she said.

The Sheriff’s Office also encouraged motorists to take additional precautions during holiday celebrations, including assigning a designated driver before going out, using a taxi, public transportation, a rideshare service, or contacting a sober friend or family member for transportation if impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.

Officials also reminded the public to report suspected impaired drivers by safely pulling over and calling 911 and emphasized that all vehicle occupants should wear seat belts.

The campaign is funded through federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The effort is accompanied by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” public awareness campaign, which highlights stories of Illinois residents killed in traffic crashes.