Illinois State Police Troop 9 will conduct special nighttime enforcement patrols in several area counties during August and September.
Troop 9 Commander Lieutenant Bruce Waggoner said the patrols will be conducted in Clay, Fayette, Wayne, Effingham, Marion, White and Hamilton counties, with an emphasis on enforcement between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Troopers will focus on impaired driving and seat belt violations, along with speeding, distracted driving, improper child restraints and other traffic violations.
ISP says alcohol and drug impairment are factors in more than 47% of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, while more than half of the state’s fatal crashes occur at night.
The Nighttime Enforcement program is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and increase seat belt compliance during overnight hours.
The special patrols are funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.