State police to look for speeding, seat belt and distracted driver violators this weekend

[September 02, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- State police are reminding motorists statewide to make safety their top priority while driving during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest driving periods for motorists as thousands of drivers are expected to hit the roadways and interstates nationwide.

Law enforcement officials will push for zero fatalities by focusing on the four most common causes for fatal crashes in Illinois: speeding, driving under the influence, failure to use seat belts, and distracted driving. Troopers will saturate the expressways and roadways, looking for speeders, impaired drivers, seat belt violators and distracted drivers.

"As always, our duty is to keep the public and our roadways safe for motorists. We will be ready to enforce all traffic violations, with a focus on speeding, DUI, seat belts and distracted driving," said Capt. Michael Zerbonia, District 9 commander.

This week, Illinois State Police officials have been partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation in its push against driving under the influence and impaired drivers.

In addition to enforcement messages and public awareness safety campaigns, districts statewide are also working with the Department of Transportation to ensure that highways are safe and clear of road distractions that can hinder safe driving and roadway safety.

"Traffic enforcement goes hand in hand with preventing violence, and troopers statewide will be enforcing both to ensure Illinois roadways and citizens are safe," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau.

Illinois State Police officials will also be working closely with the Statewide Terrorism Intelligence Center, monitoring intelligence and special alerts and looking for suspicious vehicles and criminal activity crossing state lines.

[Text from Illinois State Police]