The Vernon Hills Police Department issued 173 tickets during a special 17-day traffic enforcement campaign supported by a state grant.
Between May 10 and 27, the department had extra officers on patrol. While these officers enforced all traffic laws, their primary focus was occupant restraint (seat belts and child safety seats) violations. Tickets issued included seven for driving under the influence and eight for occupant restraint violations.
The added enforcement efforts were done as part of an IDOT STEP grant. The purpose of STEP (Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program) is to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle crashes, and the resulting injuries and fatalities. Illinois law requires all passengers, regardless of age or location in the vehicle, to be secured in a seat belt or an appropriately approved child restraint system.
Surveys conducted in June 2012 revealed that in Illinois, more than 93 percent of front seat drivers and passengers wear seat belts. This is well above the national average of 84 percent.
“We’re happy that our enforcement results are in-line with the Illinois usage rate”, said Vernon Hills Police Chief Mark Fleischhauer. “More and more drivers are heeding the reminder to buckle-up – every trip, every time.” Under the STEP grant, the department is planning additional enforcement from June 25 to July 7.
Anyone with questions regarding occupant restraint laws or any other traffic law can contact the Vernon Hills Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (847) 247-4889.
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