Sheriff To Up Traffic Safety Enforcement For Memorial Day Weekend

LAKE FOREST, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office will up traffic safety enforcement this Memorial Day weekend as part of a national "Click It or Ticket" campaign.

Through May 27, deputies will be on the lookout for seatbelt violations in particular, as well as nighttime enforcement.

"During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure the
message reaches all drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash," the Sheriff's office said in a statement.

Since the seatbelt law went into effect more than 20 years ago in Illinois, seatbelt usage has surged from 15.9 percent in 1985 to 92.4 percent in 2024. Though there's still room for improvement, according to law enforcement, as the remaining 7.6 percent need to be reminded that seatbelts save lives.

Additionally, data shows that there are higher rates of unrestrained fatalities at night. According to the Sheriff's office, 72 percent of men killed in car crashes in 2023 didn't have a seatbelt on, compared to 28 percent for women.