The Park Forest Police Department issued 113 citations and made two DUI arrests during its holiday traffic safety effort, which wrapped up last week.
The campaign, part of the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket enforcement efforts, targeted impaired and dangerous driving during the holidays. From Dec. 12 through Jan. 5, officers conducted 48 hours of supplemental patrols focused on impaired driving and hazardous traffic behaviors. Local enforcement agencies across Illinois collaborated to improve roadway safety over the busy holiday period.
During the campaign, Park Forest officers made 88 traffic stops and issued 113 citations, including 15 for seatbelt violations, 31 for speeding, 13 for distracted driving, and 52 for other offenses. Officers also arrested two drivers for impaired driving and one for reckless driving.
“We increased patrols to help protect our community during the holidays,” Deputy Chief Kristopher Vallow said. “Removing impaired drivers prevents tragedies, but these results show more work is needed to promote responsible driving.”
Vallow stated that the department’s December enforcement extended ongoing statewide efforts to reduce the leading causes of serious crashes — DUI, speeding, seatbelt violations, and distracted driving — a priority highlighted by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police.
State data released this season show that hundreds of traffic fatalities occur on Illinois roads each year and that drivers historically engage in more dangerous behaviors during holiday periods. This trend prompts law enforcement to coordinate enforcement and public awareness campaigns funded through federal highway safety grants administered by IDOT.
Vallow said Park Forest police will target speeding violations in their next campaign, running Jan. 19 through Feb. 5. The department also plans to increase patrols over Super Bowl weekend, Feb. 6–9, renewing its focus on impaired drivers.
“Our goal is for everyone to travel safely,” Vallow said. “Plan ahead: use sober drivers, buckle up, and stay focused behind the wheel.”