Illinois State Police launch 'Operation Kyle' in advance of holiday
enforcement
24-hour
enforcement patrol beginning Tuesday to honor fallen trooper & make
roads safe
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[November 26, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State
Police announced Monday that ISP districts statewide are gearing up
for the holiday travel period, beginning Tuesday for the
Thanksgiving holiday and lasting through New Year's. This year, a
special enforcement memorial operation is being dedicated to Trooper
Kyle Deatherage, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 26,
2012, while conducting a traffic stop.
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All ISP sworn personnel are committed to working "Operation Kyle"
and will be aggressively patrolling Illinois roadways for 24
consecutive hours (Nov. 26-27) in remembrance of Deatherage.
"There is no greater tribute than the commitment of all sworn
officers showing their respect, dedication and commitment to Kyle
and the safety of every driver and passenger during this 24-hour
period," said ISP Director Hiram Grau. "His life was tragically
taken from his family and police family two days before
Thanksgiving, and Operation Kyle will be a strong reminder to the
motoring public that safe driving saves lives."
Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of
the busy holiday driving period, which continues through New Year's
Day. Beginning Tuesday through Sunday, ISP officials expect high
traffic volumes on interstates and roads throughout the region.
Thanksgiving Day, on Thursday, is expected to be the busiest.
Illinois State Police will implement periodic saturation patrols
until the new year to enforce ISP's "Fatal Four" enforcement
mission: speeding, seat belts, driving under the influence and
distracted driving. ISP statewide campaigns are targeting Fatal Four
violators and are also coordinating efforts with the Illinois
Department of Transportation, local police and sheriffs.
Thanksgiving is one of most popular holidays and a typical time
when driving-related
incidents involving alcohol fatally impact college students
and young adults gathering for the holidays.
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"Operation Kyle will kick off the enforcement period, and
officers will saturate the interstates, conduct roadside safety
checks and participate in other traffic enforcement details to
identify ISP Fatal Four moving violations. A special emphasis will
be placed on DUI enforcement, and holiday DUI patrols will be
designated statewide," said ISP Division of Operations Col. Michael
Zerbonia.
"Our number one goal during this 24-hour enforcement period, and
through the holiday season, is to raise awareness and reduce the
number of fatalities on Illinois roads and highways. Sobriety
checkpoints will also be enforced, and DUI violators risk arrest and
severe penalties," Zerbonia stressed.
Officials also stressed that fines have increased to $120 for
texting while driving.
Motorists who consume alcohol should consider an alternative
means of transportation. An arrest for driving under the influence
can cost thousands of dollars in attorney fees, court costs,
insurance fees, fines and jail time. A DUI arrest can result in a
permanent criminal history record.
Weather conditions can also be a factor in the holiday period,
and the Illinois State Police agency urges motorists and
out-of-state visitors to plan ahead, follow the rules of the road
and take the necessary safety precautions during this holiday
driving season.
[Text from file received from the
Illinois State Police] |