Chicago Heights Police to Partner with IDOT, State Police; Heighten Safety Belt Awareness Memorial Day Weekend

The Chicago Heights Police Department, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police (ISP), will intensify its law enforcement efforts this Memorial Day Weekend to increase safety belt awareness for the Click It or Ticket campaign. 

More than 500 county and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are expected to participate and safety awareness will be first and foremost, according to Chicago Heights Police Chief Michael Camilli:  

“Our goal during Click It or Ticket and throughout the year is not to write more tickets, but to increase safety belt education and reduce the number of preventable traffic injuries or deaths that result in non-compliance.  Unfortunately, when people ignore the law – and common sense -- these enforcement patrols and road side safety checks will provide a very convincing reminder about wearing safety belts.”

Mayor Gonzalez also supports the police department’s efforts and the Click It or Ticket campaign, especially during this time of year:  

“Many people will be on the road for Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer; visiting family, attending events such as barbecues or graduation parties, and that’s why this effort is so important, because safety belt awareness and compliance will help save lives and prevent injuries.” 

Chief Camilli would like to remind everyone that the Chicago Heights Police will stop a vehicle and issue tickets whenever they see an unbuckled driver or passenger, whether seated in the front -- or -- back, in accordance with the new law that took effect this past January:

“Since the new law took effect at the beginning of the year, all back seat passengers now must use their safety belts.  So if you want to avoid the delay and hassle of being stopped and ticketed, you must buckle-up every trip, every time. Consistent safety belt use will protect you and your passengers…and it’s the law in Illinois.”

The Click It or Ticket campaign will continue until the end of the month.