DUI Patrols Planned on I-88, I-294, I-355 In Sept.

CHICAGO, IL — The Illinois State Patrol announced it would be conducting nighttime enforcement patrols on several Chicago area interstates in September. The special patrols will target drunken drivers and unbuckled passengers and drivers on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Cook County, the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) in DuPage and Kane counties and the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) in DuPage County, according to an Illinois State Police news release.

In 2017, one-third of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involved alcohol and 263 people were killed while not wearing their seatbelts, according to Illinois Department of Transportation statistics.

The NITE program focuses enforcement efforts on drivers who are impaired and occupants of motor vehicles who are not wearing their seatbelts, according to the state patrol news release.

These patrols will be conducted during nighttime hours when impaired driving crashes causing death or serious injury occur at higher rates.

"Illinois State Police Troopers will have a zero-tolerance approach to impaired and unrestrained drivers during these patrols. Drivers who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) will be arrested, their vehicle may be impounded and they may face suspension of their driving privileges for up to one year for a first offense. Drivers who are convicted of DUI may face fines of up to $2,500 and possible imprisonment for up to one year for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions of DUI include possible imprisonment for up to 12 years and fines of up to $25,000 if crashes cause occurs in great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement to other persons," according to the Illinois State Patrol news release.

The NITE project is funded through the IDOT Division of Traffic Safety.