The Kewanee Police Department is teaming up with Illinois State Police and local law enforcement to step up traffic enforcement from November 21st through December 2nd. This initiative targets seat belt compliance, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving, aiming to reduce accidents during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season. Increased patrols and checkpoints will be in place, and authorities urge all motorists to drive responsibly, wear seat belts, and avoid distractions. The heightened enforcement is part of a statewide effort to keep roads safe as families and friends gather for holiday celebrations across Illinois.
“Thanksgiving brings more vehicles on the road, longer trips, and more celebrations,” said Chief Stephen Kijanowski. “Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to survive a crash. We’re asking every driver and passenger to buckle up on every trip and to make a plan for a sober ride before the festivities begin. If you drink alcohol or use cannabis, don’t drive.”
Plan the weekend with these safety reminders:
- Choose a sober driver before going out, or plan to use a taxi, public transit, or a rideshare service.
- If you are hosting, offer alcohol-free drink options and help guests arrange sober transportation.
- Do not drive if you’ve used cannabis. Its effects can be delayed and can impair judgment and reaction time.
- If you see an impaired driver, pull over safely and call 911.
- Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt. It is your best protection against an impaired driver.
The initiative falls under the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Click It or Ticket,” and “It’s Not a Game” programs. Officers across Illinois will be watching for impaired and unbuckled drivers in an effort to prevent crashes and save lives during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
