Kenilworth Police Cracked Down on Drunk Drivers, Seat Belt Violators

Kenilworth police put an extra emphasis on catching impaired drivers and seat belt violators on Labor Day as part of a federal program to make the roadways safer during late-night hours.

Two people were arrested for impaired driving and one was arrested for drugs, while 130 tickets were issued between Aug. 19 and Sept. 5, police said. Citations were written for speeding and other moving violations, equipment infringements as well as failing to wear a seatbelt, Sgt. David Miller said. 

Earlier:

This effort ends the department’s first year of involvement in “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Over six major holidays, one officer, who would not normally be off, gets overtime to watch out for impaired drivers and seat belt violations during late-night hours, Miller said. Each campaign runs for approximately two weeks and includes weekends, he added.

Extra emphasis given to that time when statistics show more people drink and driver and fewer motorists buckle up.

The officer’s overtime comes from a federal grant administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Approximately 16 arrests were made and 739 tickets were written during this year’s program, which covers Thanksgiving, from mid-December to early January, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Each enforcement period runs for two weeks and includes weekends.

“I think it worked out very well,” said Miller, who noted that the department will be participating again starting with this Thanksgiving.

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