St. Charles launches traffic enforcement campaign

As Halloween approaches, the St. Charles Police Department is partnering with law enforcement throughout the state to stop impaired driving and help save lives.

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, which started Oct. 17, will run through Monday. During this period, motorists in St. Charles can expect to see stepped-up patrols for driving impaired and seatbelt enforcement, particularly at night when seat-belt usage rates are at their lowest.

Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.
 
If you're celebrating Halloween this time of year, the St. Charles Police Department reminds people to buckle up, designate a sober driver and don't let other friends or family members drive drunk. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times, making driving unsafe.
 
The goal is simple: Prevent motor vehicle crashes and resulting injuries. Correct seatbelt use is the most effective way to protect vehicle occupants in a crash. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation ], statewide seatbelt usage rate is 95.2 percent, yet unbuckled occupants make up a disproportionately large number of fatalities, representing more than 50 percent of people killed in motor vehicle crashes. 
 
The Click It or Ticket/Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.