Illinois State Police Plan August Safety Checks In Metro East

COLLINSVILLE — Illinois State Police will conduct roadside safety checks in Madison and St. Clair counties during August, Troop 8 Commander Capt. Casey Faro announced, citing efforts to increase public awareness, enforce traffic laws and save lives.

Officers working the details will watch for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operate vehicles in an unsafe manner, drive with a suspended or revoked license, transport open alcoholic beverages, fail to use seatbelts or child restraints properly, drive while distracted or commit other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.

State police said alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. The agency also said there is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States.

Roadside safety checks are designed to keep roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road, police said.

The project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.