CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Illinois State Police will conduct multiple targeted traffic enforcement efforts across central Illinois during the month of March, focusing on impaired driving, occupant restraint compliance and nighttime traffic safety.

ISP Troop 7 Commander Capt. Heather Apperson announced that Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement patrols will take place in Macon and Vermilion counties. Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols are planned for Champaign, Macon and Vermilion counties, and Nighttime Enforcement patrols will be conducted in Champaign County.

The patrols are designed to prevent, detect and take enforcement action against impaired driving, illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs, and violations of seat belt and child safety seat laws. Officers will also watch for unsafe driving, speeding, distracted driving, suspended or revoked licenses and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.

Alcohol and drug impairment is estimated to be a factor in more than 47 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Nearly half of vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts, and more than half of fatal crashes statewide occur during nighttime hours.

Nighttime Enforcement patrols will focus on the hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when unrestrained and impaired driving are more common.

The enforcement efforts are funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation and are part of statewide safety initiatives including “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.”

Illinois State Police remind motorists that Illinois law requires all vehicle passengers, both front and back seat, to wear seat belts and urge drivers to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.