Flossmoor PD Ramps Up Patrols For Seat Belt Use, Impaired Driving For Thanksgiving Stretch

FLOSSMOOR, IL — The Flossmoor Police Department is joining with the Illinois State Police and local partners to keep holiday travel safe this Thanksgiving, with ramped up patrols for seat belt use and impaired driving.

The Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign runs from Friday, Nov. 21, through Tuesday, Dec. 2. Officers will be looking for seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including cannabis.

"Thanksgiving brings more vehicles, longer trips and more festivities," said Flossmoor Police Chief Carl Estelle. "Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to save your life in a crash. We’re asking every driver and passenger to buckle up every trip, every time, and to make a plan for a sober ride before the celebrations begin. If you drink alcohol or use cannabis, do not drive."

He says you should plan ahead with these tips:

• • Before you go out, choose a sober driver or plan to use a taxi, public transit option or ride-share service.
• • If you host, offer alcohol-free beverages and help your guests arrange for sober transportation.
• If you’ve used cannabis, do not drive. Effects can be delayed and can impair your reaction time and judgment.
• if you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over safely and call 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt; it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

This enforcement effort is supported by federal traffic safety funds, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). It aligns with Illinois’ state-wide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Click It or Ticket and It’s Not a Game campaigns. For more information, please contact Flossmoor Police Sgt. Mark Cagle at 708-957-4500 or mcagle@flossmoor.org.