CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) – As the holiday travel season ramps up, the Champaign Police Department is joining forces with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, and over 200 local law enforcement agencies across the state to keep Illinois roads safe. From December 12, 2025, through January 5, 2026, drivers can expect increased visibility and enforcement as part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing traffic accidents and fatalities during one of the busiest times of the year.

Champaign Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring safety on local roads during the holidays. “Your Champaign Police Department is spending the holidays keeping the roads safe in our community, but we need your help,” said Chief Tyler. “From taking care on slick roads to avoiding careless decisions, we are asking you to look out for yourself and other drivers. That means reducing speed, driving sober, and paying attention to the road to arrive safely wherever you’re headed.”

To ensure safe travel this winter, the Champaign Police Department is urging drivers to take several key precautions, including obeying the posted speed limits, avoiding distractions like texting or using mobile apps while driving, and ensuring all passengers are properly buckled up. Additional safety tips include:

• Plan ahead for a designated driver if you plan to drink or use intoxicants.

• Take advantage of other transportation options such as taxis, rideshare services, or public transit.

• Stop friends from driving impaired by taking their keys and offering them a safe ride home.

• Report erratic driving immediately by pulling over and dialing 9-1-1.

Throughout the campaign, officers will conduct high-visibility patrols on arterial routes in Champaign, looking for drivers who are impaired, unbuckled, or violating other traffic laws. Drivers caught breaking the law will be issued written warnings or citations, depending on the violation.

These efforts are part of a federally funded traffic safety campaign, supported by grant dollars from IDOT. In addition to these grant-funded details, Champaign Police officers will continue their routine patrols, ensuring that the community remains safe throughout the holidays.

For more information about safe driving practices, visit the Champaign Police Department’s website.