Local police and ISP team up for enforcement detail
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By TRAVIS MORSE
Sentinel File Photo
ENFORCEMENT DETAIL — Local agencies, like the Jefferson and Washington County Sheriff’s Offices, are teaming up with the Illinois State Police and IDOT to conduct special enforcement patrols this month targeting speeding.
MOUNT VERNON — The Jefferson and Washington County Sheriff’s Offices are among the local law enforcement agencies that are teaming up with the state this month to conduct special enforcement patrols.
According to JCSO and WCSO news releases, these departments are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and hundreds of other local police agencies to step up enforcement efforts across the state. This is part of an effort to reduce speeding.
Throughout the month of July, motorists can expect to see increased patrols targeting speeding and other traffic violations, the releases state.
“Speeding causes unnecessary danger on our roads,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard. “Speed greatly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve. Speeding drivers put themselves, their passengers and other motorists at tremendous risk.”
During this month-long campaign, officers will intensify their enforcement of posted speed limits. Bullard said that offenders will be stopped and ticketed, especially on major highways and highly traveled roads where most speed-related crashes occur.
“Our goal is to save lives,” Bullard said.
Chief Deputy Charles Carroll of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office also said that offenders will be stopped and ticketed, especially on State Route 127, State Route 15, State Route 177, Interstate 64, U.S. Highway 51 and State Route 153.
Master Sgt. Christopher “Joey” Watson, of the ISP Public Information Office/Safety Education Unit, spoke about the significance of these special patrols targeting speeding.
“Speeding contributes to around 44% of fatal crashes statewide,” Watson said. “So the importance of speeding enforcement can’t be understated.”
According to Watson, IDOT crash data shows that crashes involving speed accounted for nearly 32% of the total number of Illinois crashes in 2022. For injury crashes, that percentage raises to nearly 37%.
In addition, Watson said that 1,268 people died in Illinois traffic crashes in 2022, and speeding was a contributing factor in nearly 44% of the 1,147 fatal crashes in the state that year.
The July speed enforcement campaign is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.
