Arlington Heights receives traffic safety grant

The Arlington Heights Police Department has been awarded a $43,366.08 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The grant will augment the current traffic safety law enforcement efforts within the village limits.

IDOT's STEP Grant provides funding to the Arlington Heights Police Department for various campaigns over a one-year period. The campaigns have been established to coincide with selected holiday periods in which there is a documented increase of traffic crashes and related injuries.

The focus of the grant is to reduce personal injury and fatal traffic accidents through traffic law enforcement. The campaigns target accident reduction with rotating themes such as “Click it or Ticket” and “You Drink and Drive. You Lose.” The campaign's two-pronged approach includes periods of public education followed by increased selective enforcement of related traffic offenses.

Many lives could be saved by changing public attitudes regarding risk-taking behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and the non-use of safety belts and child safety seats. It has been shown that visible enforcement programs focusing on these violations offer the greatest potential for changing these behaviors.

Arlington Heights Police Department completed enforcement of the Thanksgiving Mobilization on Nov. 24. The effort began on Nov. 12, and consisted of establishing 25 “Seat Belt Enforcement Zones” on various roadways throughout the village, with the primary focus of identifying motorists who choose to drive without buckling up.

During the enforcement period 6,681 vehicles were inspected and 72 citations were issued for occupant restraint violations. The overall compliance rate was calculated at 98.9 percent.

In addition, four “DUI” Saturation Patrols were established between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. During the special patrols 25 vehicles were stopped. One arrest was initiated for a suspended driver's license, three citations were issued for insurance violations, 14 citations were issued for speeding violations, and 11 citations were issued for miscellaneous violations. During the enforcement campaign no violations were noted for alcohol related offenses.

For additional information please contact Commander Andrew Whowell of the Arlington Heights Police Department, Patrol Bureau at (847) 368-5419.