State Police Slowing Drivers Down With Holiday Patrols
By: Alexandra Sutter
Updated: November 21, 2012
PEORIA -- Nearly 44 million people are traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, and about 90 percent of them will be driving. Illinois State Police Officers are working to keep the roads safe with speed enforcement zones across the state. WMBD'S Alexandra Sutter rides along.
It's one of the busiest travel days of the year, and many drivers are hurrying to their destinations.
Illinois State Trooper Dustin Pierce shows us stepping on the pedal will cost you.
He said he and five other officers are catching speeders along Interstate 74 in Peoria. Pierce said they gave one ticket about every two minutes.
He said, "We've beefed up patrols, especially starting today and they'll continue on through the weekend."
Interstates aren't the only place where State Troopers are beefing up patrols. They're also keeping a close eye on two lane highways."
Seat belt checks and speed traps are part of the Troopers' holiday routine.
But Pierce said as night falls, they'll turn their focus on those who are driving under the influence.
He said, "This night has become, bigger actually than New Years Eve."
He said he doesn't want to ruin your holiday trip - but he hopes a ticket will prevent an ambulance ride.
Pierce said, "We want them to get to their families and enjoy their holidays with them. We don't want the holidays to be marked with a tragedy such as a fatality with either them getting killed in a crash or them killing someone else."
