Illinois State Police Troop 9 will conduct special nighttime traffic enforcement patrols throughout November in Marion, Wayne, Effingham and Hamilton counties.
Troop 9 Commander Captain Bruce Waggoner announced the Nighttime Enforcement, or NITE, patrols will focus on identifying impaired drivers and enforcing seat belt and child restraint laws during the overnight hours.
The special patrols will primarily take place between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., when authorities say the risk of serious and fatal traffic crashes is particularly high.
According to Illinois State Police, the number of unrestrained motorists killed in traffic crashes is significantly higher at night, with impaired driving adding to the danger.
Troopers participating in the enforcement effort will be watching for drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment, motorists not wearing seat belts, improper child restraint usage, speeding, distracted driving and other violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
State Police report that alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be contributing factors in more than 47 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Additionally, more than half of all fatal crashes statewide occur during nighttime hours.
Officials say the NITE program is designed to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by removing impaired drivers from the road and increasing compliance with occupant restraint laws.
Motorists are reminded to always wear seat belts, properly secure children in appropriate safety seats and never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The special nighttime enforcement patrols are funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.