Huntley cops increase patrols through Thanksgiving week

HUNTLEY – The Huntley Police Department has already started its annual enforcement campaign over Thanksgiving to crack down on drunk driving and people driving without seatbelts.

With one of the busiest travel times of the year just around the corner, the police department reminds motorists to buckle up and drive sober, according to a news release from the department.

‘On regular days and holidays alike, law enforcement too often sees the results of driving impaired and not wearing a seat belt,” Chief Robert Porter said the in the release. “They are both tragic and preventable. Whether you’re driving cross-country or across the street, please remember to wear your seat belt and make a plan for a sober ride home.’

More than 30% of fatal motor vehicle crashes in the state of Illinois involve an alcohol-impaired driver, and data shows drug-involved driving is on the rise, the police department reported.

The Huntley Police Department is joining with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police, along with local law enforcement across the state, for the campaign. The increased patrols are paid for through federal highway safety funds as part of the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

The campaign started Nov. 20 and will continue through Nov. 30.