Alton Police Begin Holiday Crackdown on Impaired and Unbuckled Drivers

ALTON - The Alton Police Department will begin an Independence Day traffic enforcement campaign June 19, 2026, targeting impaired drivers and seat-belt law violators in Alton as part of a statewide effort that runs through July 6, 2026, the department announced.

The Alton campaign will cover three summer weekends leading up to and after the Fourth of July holiday. The Alton Police Department said it will focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers during the enforcement period.

“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said Sgt. Mike Roderfeld of the Alton Police Department’s traffic division. “It’s simple, if you’re driving, don’t drink or use drugs. Better yet, don’t use drugs at all. Our officers will be out in full force to keep impaired drivers off the road.”

The Alton Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s departments in the increased statewide enforcement effort.

“This Fourth of July, designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive under the influence,” Sgt. Roderfeld said.

The Alton Police Department also shared safety tips for the holiday period, including giving a designated driver your keys before going out.

It advised anyone drunk or impaired by cannabis or other drugs to call a taxi, take mass transit, use a ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member for a ride home.

The Alton Police Department also urged people to promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911, and to make sure everyone in their vehicle wears a seat belt.

“Not only is it the law, but it’s also your best defense against an impaired driver,” Sgt. Roderfeld said.

The Illinois Independence Day enforcement campaign is funded with federal highway safety dollars administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state.

The effort is reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which shares real stories of Illinois residents lost in fatal crashes.

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