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ISP to conduct Roadside Safety Check in December

ISP to conduct Roadside Safety Check in December

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Illinois State Police, District 13, will conduct a Roadside Safety Check in Williamson County in December.

ISP says they have a zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Therefore, officers working this detail will be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, transporting open alcoholic beverages or driving under the influence.

According to ISP, alcohol and drug impairment is a significant factor in over 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Safety checks are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road.

This Roadside Safety Check is funded through a grant from the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Work begins Dec. 3 on intersection of IL Rte. 13, Greenbriar Rd.

Work begins Dec. 3 on intersection of IL Rte. 13, Greenbriar Rd.

CARTERVILLE, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of upcoming work at the intersection of Illinois Route 13 and Greenbriar Road, just west of Carterville.

Starting Monday, Dec. 3 at about 8 a.m., highway contractors will be performing work on the signal controller at the intersection of IL 13 and Greenbriar Road. ISP says traffic signals will be flashing red and traffic will be required to stop. Stop signs will be present at the intersection and flaggers may be present as needed. All lanes of traffic and turning movements will be open.

Drivers should expect slow and/or stopped traffic on IL 13 with possible backups both east and westbound. Signals are expected to stop. ISP says to avoid any delays, drivers may choose an alternate route.

ISP to conduct Nighttime Enforcement Patrols

ISP to conduct Nighttime Enforcement Patrols

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Illinois State Police, District 13, says they will conduct Nighttime Enforcement Patrols in Williamson County during December.

ISP says they have zero tolerance for impaired drives. Therefore, officers working NITE patrols will be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, transporting open alcoholic beverages, driving under the influence and are not properly buckled up.

According to ISP, alcohol and drug impairment is a significant factor in over 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. These nighttime patrols are designed to keep the roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road and ensuring all vehicle occupants are buckled up.

This project is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

IDOT suspends non-emergency work for Thanksgiving holiday

IDOT suspends non-emergency work for Thanksgiving holiday

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced recently that non-emergency road work will be suspended where possible to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

IDOT also provided advance notice of lane closures that will be in place for the holiday weekend to aid motorists' travel plans and boost safety.

"Driving zero roadway fatalities to reality is IDOT's overall goal. During the Thanksgiving holiday, we will again suspend all non-emergency road work on state roadways, where possible, to improve traffic flow and to kick-start the heavily traveled weekend," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "To reduce potential roadway congestion and improve safety, we are also providing a list of lane closures on our website, with a breakdown by county, to help motorists plan their trips.

ISP issues safety warning for Thanksgiving holiday travel

ISP issues safety warning for Thanksgiving holiday travel

(KFVS) - Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are gearing up for the beginning of the holiday travel period.

Police say the cooperative effort is aimed at stepping up enforcement patrols as the holiday season begins to make the roads safe for all drivers.

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the busy holiday driving period which continues through the New Year. Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 25, officials expect high traffic volumes on interstates and roads throughout the region, with Thanksgiving Day expected to be the busiest.  Illinois State Police are urging the traveling public to adhere to the rules of the road and avoid the "Fatal Four" traffic violations: Speeding, DUI, Seatbelts and Distracted Driving.

IDOT recommends 'Ice and Snow-Take it Slow'

IDOT recommends 'Ice and Snow-Take it Slow'

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement officials recently stressed safety and urged drivers to prepare for unfavorable driving conditions this winter season.

IDOT, Illinois Tollway and the Illinois State Police have partnered to roll out the state's frontline winter crews and ensure that emergency equipment is ready for the upcoming snow and ice season.

"IDOT is fully prepared for the upcoming winter season with sufficient snow removal supplies and staff, and will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement and transportation partners to make state roadways as clear and safe as possible," Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider said. "We strongly encourage all motorists to be ready for harsh weather conditions this year, and to continue to drive defensively, slow down, never drive while distracted or impaired, and always buckle up. Traveler safety remains our top priority at IDOT."

ISP to launch 'Drive to Survive' campaign

ISP to launch 'Drive to Survive' campaign

(KFVS) - The Illinois State Police holds safety as their number one priority.

ISP says their mission is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Illinois roadways by getting drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to change their behaviors once they get behind the wheel or on the streets.

The “Drive to Survive” campaign and other High-visibility campaigns, such as “Click it or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or get Pulled Over” supported by IDOT, The Illinois State Police, County and Local police, will be implemented during November and December to help us achieve our mission.

According to ISP, eight people died in traffic crashes on Illinois roads over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2011, with four of the eight killed in crashes involving a drinking driver. Statewide 839 people were injured in Illinois roads over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2011.

Captain Stehley said in a statement: